Using Virtual Reality to Improve Job Reentry in Adults With TBI

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) to improve job reentry skills in individuals with TBI.

Detailed Description
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The current study will examine a virtual reality (VR) intervention entitled Virtual Reality Job Interview Training (VR-JIT) which targets social competency skills needed for successful job interviewing, and its efficacy when applied to individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Preliminary evidence suggests that the VR-JIT is successful in individuals with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia in improving interview abilities. However, the efficacy of VR-JIT has not been evaluated in TBI populations.

Official Title
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Using Virtual Reality to Improve Job Reentry in Adults With TBI

Conditions
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Traumatic Brain Injury

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Virtual Reality Job Interview Training
* Other: Wonderworks


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: I am between the ages of 18 and 65. I have a diagnosis with moderate to severe TBI. I am at least one year post injury. I am able to speak and read English fluently. Exclusion Criteria: I have a history of multiple sclerosis, stroke, seizures or another neurological injury or disease in the past (like brain tumor or epilepsy). I have a history of significant psychiatric illness (like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or psychosis). I am currently taking steroids and/or benzodiazepines as determined by study staff review of my medications.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: VR-JIT<br>In this arm, participants would participate in simulated interviews utilizing a software program and virtual interviewer, once a week for 90 minutes. | Other: Virtual Reality Job Interview Training<br>* The treatment group (TX) will complete 7 sessions of VR-JIT (1 sessions per week for 7 weeks), designed to teach the skills & concepts of job interviews. Sessions are approximately 90 minutes long.<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Wonderworks<br>In this arm, participants would participate in a similar intervention, also once a week for 90 minutes. However, in this arm, the intervention would be in a virtual office environment completing office tasks. | Other: Wonderworks<br>* The control group (CT) will complete 7 sessions of Wonderworks (1 session per week for 7 weeks) using skills in an office environment.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Mock Job Interview Score at 1 month | Participants will complete a mock job interview at follow-up which will be compared to their initial interview and rated by blinded assessors on their job interview performance. | 1 month |