Brain Research Assessing Impacts of Neurophysiological Processing Speed Training in Veterans
BRAIN-SPEED
BRAIN-SPEED-VETS: Brain Research Assessing Impacts of Neurophysiological Processing Speed Training in Veterans
1 other identifier
interventional
36
1 country
1
Brief Summary
Older veterans with a history of mild brain trauma exhibit early cognitive challenges, especially in driving-related tasks. This is attributed to alterations in the brain's excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance. This pilot project investigates this phenomenon by leveraging electroencephalography (EEG) to measure parietal lobe alpha rhythms during visual attention tasks. The hypothesis is that targeted visual attention training can modulate these alpha rhythms, improving instrumental activities in daily life. However, outcomes from such training vary, possibly due to individual differences in cortical inhibitory functions. This study will assess the relationship between EEG measures of E/I balance pre- and post-visual attention training and its effects on processing speeds in aging veterans. Our findings aim to provide a foundation for customized therapies and interventions for veterans with and without a history of brain trauma.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at P25-P50 for not_applicable
Started Jul 2025
Typical duration for not_applicable
1 active site
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
Click on a node to explore related trials.
Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
First Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
December 14, 2023
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
January 22, 2024
CompletedStudy Start
First participant enrolled
July 1, 2025
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
January 30, 2028
ExpectedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
April 1, 2028
August 29, 2025
May 1, 2025
2.6 years
December 14, 2023
August 21, 2025
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (1)
Specific domains of cognitive function
Measured through composite scores: Executive function/mental flexibility will be measured with the Trail Making Tests, Part A and Part B. The results for both TMT-A and TMT-B are reported as the number of seconds required to complete a task. Processing speed (using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test) will be measured as the total correct number-symbol matches achieved in 90 seconds. Verbal fluency (semantic, animal naming, and phonemic) will be measured by using the Controlled Oral Word Association Test and assessed through the total number of words identified by category and letter.
6 weeks
Secondary Outcomes (2)
General Cognitive function
6 weeks
Quality of life as measured by SF-12
6 Weeks
Study Arms (2)
Visual Attention Training
ACTIVE COMPARATORVisual attention training is at the core of well-known training programs such as useful field of view (UFOV) training. The adapted nature of the computerized training approach affords individual differences in performance at the training outset while evaluating gains using specified performance criteria. Training parameters (duration of stimulus presentation for processing speed) are adjusted based on accuracy.
Alpha Neurofeedback training
EXPERIMENTALElectroencephalogram (EEG) based neurofeedback (NFB) is a method in which brain activity is modulated via self-induced increases or decreases in the power of selected EEG frequency bands. The subject's control over his or her EEG activity is mediated with visual feedback. We will employ alpha neurofeedback training to examine how this conditioning paradigm may improve visual attention.
Interventions
Alpha neurofeedback training affords the participant the ability to monitor cortical EEG waves and entrain to a specific rhythm using visual feedback. Alpha is measured between 8-12Hz and is associated with cortical inhibition. Aging related changes in alpha have been associated with loss of modulation ability. However, alpha training may afford increased perception of visual details.
Visual attention training involves repeated testing on the location and identity of objects in the visual field. Also called the "Dual Decision" task training, objects are briefly presented in a radial field of view surrounding a gaze fixation point. The participant is asked to remember the location and object presented within the field. The test progressively increases in difficulty by limiting the amount of time the object is presented on screen. Accuracy is measured by either a correct or incorrect response (binary response).
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if:
- 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
You may not qualify if:
- 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
- +2 more criteria
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
Study Sites (1)
CH19 933 19th St S
Birmingham, Alabama, 35223, United States
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Interventions
Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Central Study Contacts
Study Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Phase
- not applicable
- Allocation
- RANDOMIZED
- Masking
- NONE
- Purpose
- TREATMENT
- Intervention Model
- PARALLEL
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
- PI Title
- Associate Professor
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
December 14, 2023
First Posted
January 22, 2024
Study Start
July 1, 2025
Primary Completion (Estimated)
January 30, 2028
Study Completion (Estimated)
April 1, 2028
Last Updated
August 29, 2025
Record last verified: 2025-05
Data Sharing
- IPD Sharing
- Will not share