Neurophysiological processing speed training to improve brain function in veterans
BRAIN-SPEED-VETS: Brain Research Assessing Impacts of Neurophysiological Processing Speed Training in Veterans
This project tests whether targeted visual attention training plus alpha neurofeedback can change parietal brain rhythms and speed up thinking in older veterans with and without past mild traumatic brain injury.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Trial ID | NCT06217575 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot enrolls veterans (and younger/older comparison groups) and records EEG parietal alpha rhythms during visual attention tasks before and after intervention. Participants complete computer-based visual attention (useful field-of-view) training and receive alpha neurofeedback intended to alter cortical excitatory/inhibitory balance. Outcome measures include changes in EEG alpha, processing speed on cognitive tasks, and performance on instrumental daily activities such as driving-related tasks. Findings will be used to inform personalized preventative or rehabilitative approaches for aging veterans with a history of mild TBI.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking veterans aged 50–85 with a confirmed history of mild traumatic brain injury, though the protocol also includes younger (18–35) and healthy older (50–80) comparison groups who can attend in-person EEG and training sessions.
Not a fit: Patients with moderate or severe TBI, significant visual field deficits, incompatible metal/foreign bodies preventing MRI/TMS procedures, inability to consent, or non-English speakers are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the interventions could speed up cognitive processing and improve everyday functions like driving and other instrumental activities for aging veterans.
How similar studies have performed: Visual attention (speed-of-processing/UFOV) training has shown transfer effects in prior work, but combining it with alpha neurofeedback to modulate E/I balance is relatively novel and less well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Ages: 18-35 (Younger Group); Ages 50-80 (Healthy Older Group); Ages 50-85 (persons with a history of mild traumatic brain injury) * English speaking * Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI): * A history of mTBI confirmed by the Ohio State University TBI Identification Method-Short Form (including a requirement that the mTBI caused a loss of consciousness lasting less than 30 min). * An additional note will be made for Veterans with mTBI with a report of objective or subjective cognitive decline not meeting the criteria (i.e.- Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) \>23) for impairment Exclusion Criteria: Failure to provide informed consent * Metal of foreign objects in the body that would interfere with an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or transcranial magnetic stimulations (TMS) * History of penetrating head wounds or a diagnosis of moderate/severe TBI * Participants with significant visual field deficits were excluded, as were those with active suicidal ideation * Suicidal ideation will be assessed with the Columbia suicidality scale (C-SSRS) * Participants with active ideation will be referred to the Veteran Crisis Line (988) (or walked) to the Front Door program at the Birmingham East clinic * Participation in a concurrent clinical trial that could affect study outcome (however, participation in standard treatments e.g. occupational therapy or use of prescribed medications such as antidepressants is acceptable) * Smoker \> 1 pack per day * Significant cognitive impairment defined as \<23 on Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) or diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementia * Visual (corrected acuity \<20/80) and motor capacity (completion of 9-hole pegboard) to use a computerized intervention * In-patient status * Severe visual impairment, which would preclude completion of the assessments * Progressive, degenerative neurologic disease, e.g., Parkinsons Disease, multiple sclerosis * Severe rheumatologic or orthopedic diseases, e.g., awaiting joint replacement Actively taking GABAergic agonist/antagonist medication (benzodiazepines, gabapentin, etc.) * Terminal illness with a life expectancy of less than 12 months, as determined by a physician * Other significant co-morbid diseases that would impair the ability to participate, e.g. renal failure on hemodialysis, severe psychiatric disorder (e.g. bipolar disorder, schizophrenia), heavy alcohol use (\>15 drinks per week); persons with depression will not be excluded * Unable to communicate because of severe hearing loss, speech disorder or language barrier
Where this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama
- CH19 933 19th St S — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Keith M McGregor, PhD
- Email: kmmcgreg@uab.edu
- Phone: 2059345149
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.