Actively Recruiting
Brain Research Assessing Impacts of Neurophysiological Processing Speed Training in Veterans
Led by University of Alabama at Birmingham · Updated on 2025-08-29
36
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
143 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Lead Sponsor
B
Birmingham VA Health Care System
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
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.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Brain Research Assessing Impacts of Neurophysiological Processing Speed Training in Veterans
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- 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) confirmed by the Ohio State University TBI Identification Method-Short Form
- mTBI history includes loss of consciousness less than 30 minutes
- Veterans with mTBI may have subjective or objective cognitive decline but MoCA score greater than 23
You will not qualify if you...
- Failure to provide informed consent
- Metal or foreign objects interfering with MRI or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- History of penetrating head wounds or moderate/severe TBI
- Significant visual field deficits
- Active suicidal ideation (assessed by Columbia suicidality scale)
- Participation in concurrent clinical trials affecting study outcome (standard treatments allowed)
- Smoking more than 1 pack per day
- Significant cognitive impairment (MoCA score less than 23) or diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementia
- Visual acuity worse than 20/80 or motor limitations preventing use of computerized intervention
- In-patient status
- Severe visual impairment precluding assessments
- Progressive degenerative neurological diseases (e.g., Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis)
- Severe rheumatologic or orthopedic diseases (e.g., awaiting joint replacement)
- Use of GABAergic medications (benzodiazepines, gabapentin, etc.)
- Terminal illness with life expectancy under 12 months
- Other significant comorbid diseases impairing participation (e.g., renal failure on dialysis, severe psychiatric disorders, heavy alcohol use)
- Unable to communicate due to severe hearing loss, speech disorder, or language barrier
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
CH19 933 19th St S
Birmingham, Alabama, United States, 35223
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
K
Keith M McGregor, PhD
CONTACT
A
Ashton Weber, BS
CONTACT
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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