NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving cognitive skills for success in education and work

Official title: Strengthening neuro-cognitive skills for success in school, work and beyond

Funded at VA Northern California Health Care Sys · NIH-11065417 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking to help people with traumatic brain injury and PTSD improve their thinking skills and reach their personal goals at school or work by using fun online training and coaching.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA Northern California Health Care Sys
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Mather, United States)
Project startNovember 1, 2019
Project endOctober 31, 2025
Funding year2025
NIH project number5I01RX003141-06
Project IDNIH-11065417 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are post-9/11 Veterans aged 25-60 with a history of traumatic brain injury.

Less likely to help

Patients without a history of traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing neuro-cognitive skills in individuals affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through two innovative tele-rehabilitation interventions. Participants will engage in goal-directed brain state regulation skills training or knowledge optimization for brain functioning, delivered via digital applications and tele-video coaching. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of these interventions in helping individuals achieve personal goals in school and work, while also examining changes in neurocognitive pathways. By utilizing a randomized controlled design, the research will gather data on participants' cognitive performance and goal attainment over time.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the cognitive abilities and goal achievement of individuals with TBI and PTSD, leading to improved educational and occupational outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using tele-rehabilitation and cognitive training approaches for similar populations, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

  • VA Northern California Health Care Sys
    Mather, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Chen, Anthony — VA Northern California Health Care Sys
  • Study coordinator: Chen, Anthony

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  • Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 on Thinking, Mood, and Daily Life

    This grant looks at how COVID-19 may affect thinking, memory, and mental health over time in people who were infected.

    NIH research VA Northern California Health Care Sys · Mather, United States · NIH-11172573

  • Finding brain proteins linked to PTSD and alcohol use disorder

    This study is looking at how certain proteins in the brain might be linked to PTSD and alcohol use problems in U.S. Veterans, with the hope of finding new treatments that can help those dealing with these challenges.

    NIH research VA Northern California Health Care Sys · Mather, United States · NIH-11171348

  • Preventing spread of skin and mouth squamous cell cancers to the lung

    This work looks at why squamous cell cancers of the skin and mouth spread to the lungs and seeks new targets to stop that spread for people with these cancers.

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  • Improving driving skills in veterans who have had strokes

    This study is all about helping veterans who have had strokes get back on the road safely by using driving simulators to practice their skills in a safe setting, so they can regain their independence without the risks of driving on real roads.

    NIH research VA Northern California Health Care Sys · Mather, United States · NIH-11110013

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.