Improving Psychological and Vestibular Health: MINDGAPS

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is twofold: 1) Develop norms for measures of inner ear function and psychological health, and 2) Examine the feasibility of using the MINDGAPS system (a remote monitoring system) to track progress during physical therapy or rehabilitation for inner ear problems following a concussion or mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Detailed Description
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The intersection between vestibular disturbance and psychological health provides a unique clinical opportunity to address both the modifiable symptoms of vestibular disturbance as well as psychological health. This project aims to advance our understanding of the causal link between vestibular disturbance and poor psychological health and aligns directly with the Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research Program (Funding Opportunity: W81XWH-21-TBIPHRP-TRA). Specifically, the proposed research is responsive to each of the three focus areas: Understand- this project is designed to advance the understanding of an established link between vestibular disturbance (e.g., dizziness and poor balance) and poor psychological health (e.g., anxiety, depression, and social isolation) in survivors of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Prevent- the MINDGAPS system allows for precise assessment of dynamic visual acuity (computerized dynamic visual acuity [cDVA]) and postural sway (instrumented balance accelerometry measure [iBAM]), two objective and extensively validated surrogates of vestibular health. Additionally, MINDGAPS uses these measures to inform care decisions via a user-friendly web application. Treat- vestibular assessment is key to effective vestibular care, as it allows for personalization of treatment programs and monitoring progress over time. Objective/Hypothesis: The overall objective of this project is two-fold: 1) Test the preliminary efficacy of the MINDGAPS system to improve psychological health and vestibular disturbance in active-duty and Veteran Service Members (SM) with history of mTBI and 2) refine the MINDGAPS system by developing military-specific normative data and using Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) to incorporate the lived experiences of mTBI survivors, their caregivers, and clinicians in the design of the MINDGAPS technology and intervention. Specific Aims: Specific Aim 1 (Preliminary Efficacy): Examine the preliminary efficacy of the MINDGAPS system to improve psychological and vestibular health in active-duty and Veteran SM with sub-acute and chronic mTBI. Specific Aim 2 (Military-specific Normative Data): Collect a cross-sectional sample of cDVA, iBAM, and other relevant measures in active-duty and Veteran Service Members across three different stages of mTBI-no diagnosed history of mTBI, sub-acute mTBI (2-6 months), and chronic mTBI (>6 months)-for the development of normative values in military-specific populations. Specific Aim 3 (Refinement of MINDGAPS): Utilize CBPR to refine and improve the MINDGAPS system for different stakeholders (SM, caregivers, and clinicians) and position MINDGAPS for examination in a large-scale clinical trial as well as translation into clinical practice. Study Design: Aim 1: Using a single-cohort (N=36) double-baseline design, all participants will be tested twice during a no-intervention baseline period, then once following a 6-week course of vestibular training with the MINDGAPS system. Efficacy will be determined by comparing change during the baseline period to change over the course of the intervention period. Aim 2: A large sample of active-duty and Veteran SM (N=300) will be tested in a single, cross-sectional assessment to build military-specific normative vestibular data. Aim 3: We will use a convergent mixed-methods analysis of study participant feedback, in combination with quantitative results and stakeholder engagement, to drive refinement of the MINDGAPS system throughout the study period. Impact: Signs of vestibular disturbance are the most commonly reported symptoms following mTBI, and vestibular disturbance is causally implicated in the development of poor psychological health following mTBI. Interventions aimed at improving vestibular disturbance can improve debilitating symptoms such as poor balance and dizziness. The completion of this study will move MINDGAPS to a technology readiness level of 8, preparing it to be studied in a large clinical trial in the next phase of work. Relevance to Military Health: Interventions aimed at improving vestibular disturbance would have profound impacts on both active-duty SM (inability to visually focus during dynamic tasks- e.g., field of fire) and Veterans (increased risk of falls). Furthermore, the MINDGAPS system enables rapid and precise assessment of vestibular functioning at low cost and therefore has tremendous potential to enhance the delivery of clinical services within a number of active-duty environments including far-forward military settings or Veterans living in rural areas.

Official Title
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Improving Psychological and Vestibular Health Using a Novel Intervention: The Making Informed Decisions in Gaze and Postural Stability (MINDGAPS) System

Conditions
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Vestibular Hypofunction

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Rehab


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Veteran or Active Duty Military Service Member Ability to stand independently Legally autonomous and able to self-consent Exclusion Criteria: Acute head injury (within the previous 2 months) History of moderate or severe head injury (i.e., loss of consciousness greater than 30 minutes or post-traumatic amnesia greater than 1 day) Current diagnosis of spine disorders in the neck Diagnosis of problems with the arteries in your neck Blindness If you have been diagnosed with abnormal eye movements (also called ocular motor palsy) If you have previously had a stroke or been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder ( e.g., Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis) If you have been previously diagnosed primary vestibular dysfunction ( e.g., congenital peripheral vestibular syndrome) If you have previously been diagnosed with a brain tumor If you are currently receiving physical therapy care for balance or dizziness problems

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Non-Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Interventional Model Description: One group is enrolled into a longitudinal, single group intervention using vestibular rehab. The other group is enrolled as a cross-sectional observational assessment used for developing normative data.
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Rehab<br>6 weeks of vestibular physical therapy guided by the use of the MINDGAPS decision support system | Other: Rehab<br>* 6 weeks of vestibular rehabilitation guided by the MINDGAPS decision support system<br>|
| No Intervention: Observational<br>Normative data development of performance on vestibular measures following mTBI | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Computerized Dynamic Visual Acuity (cDVA) | computerized measure of functional gaze stability | through study completion, an average of 12 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Instrumented postural sway assessment | instrumented assessment of static postural stability | through study completion, an average of 12 weeks | 
| Video head impulse testing (vHIT) | computerized assessment of vestibulo-ocular reflex function | through study completion, an average of 12 weeks | 
| Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) | The Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) is a 10-item measure that examines dynamic stability during various walking tasks on a marked 6-m (20-ft) length and 12-inch wide walkway. Each item is rated from 0-3 with higher scores indicating better dynamic stability. Tasks within the FGA require head and/or body motion during walking activities which will be assessed using body-worn 3D inertial measurement units | through study completion, an average of 12 weeks | 
| Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) | The DHI is a self assessment inventory designed to evaluate the self-perceived handicap effects imposed by dizziness or unsteadiness and has documented test-retest and internal consistency reliability. The DHI consists of 25 questions subgroup into functional, emotional, and physical components. The total score ranges from 0-100, with higher scores indicating greater handicap. | through study completion, an average of 12 weeks | 
| Life Space Mobility Assessment (LSA) | patient reported questionnaire examining community mobility. The maximum possible score is 40 with higher scores indicating better life space mobility. | through study completion, an average of 12 weeks | 
| Role Participation Questionnaire | patient reported questionnaire assessing participant role in society. The questionnaire asks 17 questions with lower scores indicating greater societal role. | through study completion, an average of 12 weeks | 
| General Well Being Scale | patient reported questionnaire assessing psychological health. Consists of 18 questions with scores ranging from 0-110 and higher scores indicating better well-being. | through study completion, an average of 12 weeks | 
| Healthcare Utilization Questionnaire | patient reported questionnaire assessing participants use of healthcare. | through study completion, an average of 12 weeks | 
| Self-Administered Comorbidity Questionnaire (SCQ) | patient reported questionnaire assessing health related problems, treatment and limitations. | through study completion, an average of 12 weeks | 
| Military Service Information (MSI) | patient reported questionnaire inquiring about military service | through study completion, an average of 12 weeks | 
| Ohio State University Head Injury History | patient reported questionnaire assessing injuries to head and neck | through study completion, an average of 12 weeks | 
| Primary Care 5-Item PTSD Screen | patient reported questionnaire to identify individuals with probable PTSD | through study completion, an average of 12 weeks | 
| Visual Analogy Scale of Dizziness and Unsteadiness | patient report of severity of dizziness and unsteadiness. Participants are asked to draw a single line on a 10 cm line with a higher number indicating greater dizziness or unsteadiness. | through study completion, an average of 12 weeks | 
| High-Level Mobility Assessment (HiMT) |  | through study completion, an average of 12 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Rehabilitation, mild traumatic brain injury, dynamic visual acuity, gaze stability, postural stability, dizziness, psychological health