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Research Highlights
Trial compares methods for brain injury rehab
January 6, 2009
Researchers from the Defense and
Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) have
published the results of one of the first
studies of its kind: a randomized clinical trial
comparing different treatment approaches
for those with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
The study appeared in the December
issue of the Archives of Physical Medicine
and Rehabilitation. It compared two
rehabilitation approaches: "cognitive
didactic" versus "functional-experiential."
While the findings suggest pluses to both
methods, the cognitive approach resulted in
better short-term gains in mental function and
was more effective in helping younger
patients return to work or school. The
functional method led to higher rates of
independent living among older patients. Both
methods had been validated in prior research
but had never been tested head-to-head.
Long-term gains from both approaches
"Our results show long-term functional
improvements in both groups," said lead
author Rodney Vanderploeg, PhD, a
research psychologist at the Tampa VA
Medical Center and University of South
Florida. At one year after treatment, he said,
about 6 in 10 study participants overall were
employed and living independently. "This is
remarkable," wrote Vanderploeg and
colleagues, "given that none were capable
of work or independent living at baseline"
and 90 percent had brain injuries that were
considered severe.
This article originally appeared in the January 2009 issue of VA Research Currents.
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