Rehabilitation program for post-concussion symptoms using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based Rehabilitation of Post-concussion Symptoms: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional St. Olavs Hospital · NCT04614922

This study is testing if adding Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to regular care can help people with post-concussion symptoms and headaches feel better and function more normally.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment48 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorSt. Olavs Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Trondheim)
Trial IDNCT04614922 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of an outpatient rehabilitation program based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for patients suffering from post-concussion syndrome and post-traumatic headache. Participants will receive ACT in addition to usual care, with the aim of improving their daily functioning. The study is conducted at St. Olavs Hospital in Norway and builds on previous observational and treatment studies in this patient population. All participants are also involved in an ongoing observational study related to mild head injuries.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who have sustained a minimal head injury or mild traumatic brain injury and are experiencing moderate to severe post-concussion symptoms for over six months.

Not a fit: Patients with symptoms better explained by other conditions or those with severe psychiatric or neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from persistent post-concussion symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in treating various psychological conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Having sustained a minimal HI or MTBI
* PCS/ PTH had evolved within 1 week after the head trauma.
* At least one post-concussion symptoms of at least moderate degree, that affects daily life.
* \> 6 months post-injury.
* First line treatment has been tried, e.g. psychoeducation, increase of physical activity and pharmacological treatments for headache

Exclusion Criteria:

* More than 5 years since last injury.
* Symptoms are better explained by other conditions.
* Severe communication problems, typically due to poor knowledge of Norwegian.
* Severe psychiatric, neurological, somatic or substance abuse disorders that will make it problematic to function in a group and/or will complicate follow-up and outcome assessment.

Where this trial is running

Trondheim

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 Post-Concussion SyndromePost-Traumatic HeadacheAcceptance and Commitment Therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.