Online memory intervention for people with traumatic brain injury

Remotely Delivered Environmental Enrichment Intervention for Traumatic Brain Injury: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Toronto Rehabilitation Institute · NCT04331392

This study tests whether an online memory training program can help people with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury improve their memory and brain health.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment84 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorToronto Rehabilitation Institute Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT04331392 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness and feasibility of an online spatial navigation intervention aimed at improving memory and brain health in individuals with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. Participants will engage in a structured program that involves learning new routes and creating mental maps for one hour a day, five days a week over 16 weeks. The study will compare outcomes between those participating in the intervention and an active control group watching educational videos. Assessments will include MRI scans and cognitive measures focused on memory and spatial navigation before and after the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 55 who have sustained a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury and have the ability to engage with computer-based interventions.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological disorders other than TBI, systemic comorbidities, or those ineligible for MRI due to metal implants may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance memory function and brain health in individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach is innovative, similar studies focusing on cognitive rehabilitation in TBI have shown promising results, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* acute care diagnosis of m-sTBI
* PTA of 24 hours or more and/or lowest GCS \<13
* positive CT or MRI; (4) between 18 to 55 years of age
* fluency in English; (6) competency to provide informed consent or availability of a legal decision maker
* basic computer skills (use of internet/email, mouse and arrow keys)
* functional use of at least one upper extremity for computer use
* resident of Greater Toronto Area (to facilitate access to the MRI).

Exclusion Criteria:

* neurological disorder other than TBI (e.g., dementia, stroke)
* diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental disorder
* TBI sustained before age 18
* systemic comorbidities (e.g., lupus, diabetes)
* current diagnosis of aphasia
* presence of metal inside the body (e.g., surgical clips, pacemaker) leading to ineligibility for an MRI.

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Brain Injuries, TraumaticBrain Injury Traumatic SevereBrain Injury Traumatic ModerateBrain Injury, ChronicEnvironmental enrichmentspatial navigationtraumatic brain injuryneurorehabilitation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.