Actively Recruiting
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based Rehabilitation of Post-concussion Symptoms: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by St. Olavs Hospital · Updated on 2025-07-08
48
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
30 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
S
St. Olavs Hospital
Lead Sponsor
N
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effects of an outpatient rehabilitation program based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) compared to usual care for patients with post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and post-traumatic headache (PTH). This trial builds on previous observational and treatment studies in this patient group to better understand how ACT might influence function and symptoms in individuals with these conditions. The study is conducted at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at St. Olavs Hospital, Norway. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: the experimental group receives a 4-week group rehabilitation program based on ACT, which includes seven 2.5-hour group sessions held twice a week, individual counseling, and home lessons. Each group consists of up to eight patients, and participants are asked to complete homework between sessions. The control group receives standard care, which involves follow-up as needed depending on therapist availability. During the study, participants are evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months after the intervention. Researchers assess post-concussion symptom burden, headache severity, and work participation. Participants undergo regular monitoring and outcome assessments over this period to track changes in symptoms and daily functioning. The total participation duration spans at least one year after the intervention to capture both short- and long-term effects.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based Rehabilitation of Post-concussion Symptoms
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Having sustained a minimal head injury or mild traumatic brain injury
- Post-concussion syndrome or post-traumatic headache developed within one week after the head trauma
- At least one moderate post-concussion symptom affecting daily life
- More than six months since the injury occurred
- First-line treatments such as psychoeducation, increased physical activity, and headache medications have been tried
You will not qualify if you...
- More than five years since the last injury
- Symptoms better explained by other conditions
- Severe communication problems, typically due to poor Norwegian language skills
- Severe psychiatric, neurological, somatic, or substance abuse disorders that interfere with group functioning or follow-up and outcome assessment
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 screening and enrollment visit
Duration - 4 weeks
Participants attend group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy sessions twice a week for 4 weeks, including homework between sessions.
7 group therapy sessions over 4 weeks
Duration - Up to 12 months after the intervention
Participants are monitored for post-concussion symptoms, headache, and work participation after the intervention.
Assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
St Olavs Hospital Clinic of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Trondheim, Norway
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
T
Toril Skandsen, phd
S
Simen Berg Saksvik, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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