Goal‑directed telehealth training to improve attention and executive function in veterans with chronic TBI
Official title: Goal-oriented Rehabilitation of Executive Functioning Using Video-telehealth to Improve Community Reintegration for Veterans With Chronic TBI and Cognitive Difficulties
Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT07190365 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try video telehealth training that practices attention and executive skills to help veterans with chronic mild-to-moderate TBI improve community reintegration.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Palo Alto, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 30, 2030 |
| Study ends | March 30, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | April 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07190365 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are veterans aged 18–65 with a history of mild-to-moderate TBI at least six months prior, who have cognitive difficulties that affect daily life, at least a high-school education, and interest in improving community reintegration.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe amnesia, active substance dependence, unstable medical or psychiatric conditions, or recent psychotropic medication changes are unlikely to qualify or benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The intervention delivers goal-directed cognitive rehabilitation focused on attentional control and executive skills through video telehealth, using personally relevant community goals chosen by each veteran. The study enrolls about 80 veterans with chronic mild-to-moderate TBI and cognitive difficulties and measures feasibility, acceptability, and changes immediately after training and again at six months. Outcomes include community integration and functional gains from practicing skills in real-world activities. The protocol adapts evidence-based in-person cognitive training to remote delivery to increase access for veterans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help veterans regain everyday functioning and succeed in work, school, and community roles by strengthening attention and executive control through remote sessions.
How similar studies have gone: In-person, goal-directed executive function rehabilitation has shown promise, but telehealth delivery for chronic TBI is a newer adaptation with limited prior validation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * History of mild to moderate TBI \> 6 months ago * Cognitive difficulties affecting daily functioning * Age 18-65 * Veteran * At least 12th grade education or equivalent \* Interested in improving community reintegration Exclusion Criteria: * Amnesic/Severe memory problems * Active Substance Abuse/Dependence * Medical condition that may affect mental status/disrupt study participation * Active psychotropic medication changes
Where it's running
-
VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tatjana Novakovic-Agopian, PhD — VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
- Study coordinator: Tatjana Novakovic-Agopian, PhD
- Email: tatjana.novakovic-agopian@va.gov
- Phone: (415) 753-3888
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.