Using virtual reality to help older adults recover from mild head injuries
Blended Reality Immersion for Geriatric Head Trauma: The BRIGHT Randomized Clinical Trial
This study tests whether virtual reality exercises can help older adults recover their thinking skills after a mild head injury.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Maryland, Baltimore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT06074328 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study focuses on older adults aged 65 and above who have experienced a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). It utilizes virtual reality neurocognitive exercises administered through an Oculus headset to assess and improve cognitive functions affected by mTBI. The approach aims to provide a novel rehabilitation modality that can enhance cognitive recovery and potentially mitigate long-term neurodegenerative risks. Participants will engage in immersive VR environments designed to target specific cognitive impairments resulting from their injuries.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older who have been diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury.
Not a fit: Patients with a known history of cognitive or functional impairment, severe traumatic injuries, or certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve cognitive recovery and quality of life for older adults suffering from mild traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in cognitive rehabilitation is emerging, this specific application for older adults with mild TBI is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 65 years of age or older * Diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury * Community dwelling * English speaking * Live within a 30 mile radius from the trauma center * Active phone number * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Known history of cognitive impairment * Known history of functional impairment * History of seizure disorders * Medical implantable devices ( pacemaker \& defibrillator) * Substance use disorder * Other severe traumatic injuries to the neck, chest, abdomen, spine and pelvis
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland
- R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mira Ghneim
- Email: mira.ghneim@som.umaryland.edu
- Phone: 410-328-7611
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.