Actively Recruiting
Brain Research Assessing Impacts of Neurophysiological Processing Speed Training in Veterans to Improve Cognitive Function
Led by University of Alabama at Birmingham · Updated on 2025-08-29
36
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
8 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
This research focuses on older veterans, especially those aged 50 to 85, who have experienced mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and face early cognitive challenges, particularly in tasks related to driving. These difficulties are linked to changes in the brain's balance between excitatory and inhibitory activity. The study aims to explore how visual attention training affects brain function and cognitive processing speeds, using electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain activity, with the goal of developing personalized therapies for veterans with or without mTBI. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two training programs: visual attention training or alpha neurofeedback training. Visual attention training involves computer-based exercises that improve perception and processing speed by adjusting task difficulty based on participant performance. Alpha neurofeedback training uses EEG to help participants modulate specific brain wave rhythms associated with cortical inhibition through visual feedback. Both approaches aim to enhance cognitive function by targeting brain activity patterns related to attention and perception. During the six-week study, veterans will complete training sessions and undergo assessments measuring specific cognitive functions, general cognition, and quality of life using standardized tools. Researchers will monitor brain activity changes with EEG and evaluate how these relate to improvements in daily instrumental activities. The study includes safety monitoring and follow-up evaluations, with total participation lasting the duration of the treatment and assessment period.
CONDITIONS
Brief 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 for Younger Group; Ages 50-80 for Healthy Older Group; Ages 50-85 for Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury
- English speaking
- Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury confirmed by the Ohio State University TBI Identification Method-Short Form
- History of mTBI with loss of consciousness less than 30 minutes
- Veterans with mTBI may have objective or subjective cognitive decline but not meeting impairment criteria (MoCA >23)
You will not qualify if you...
- Inability to provide informed consent
- Metal or foreign objects incompatible with MRI or TMS
- History of penetrating head wounds or moderate/severe TBI
- Significant visual field deficits or severe visual impairment
- Active suicidal ideation assessed by Columbia suicidality scale
- Participation in another clinical trial that could affect this study's outcome
- Smoking more than one pack per day
- Significant cognitive impairment (MoCA <23) or diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementia
- Inpatient status
- Progressive degenerative neurological diseases (e.g., Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis)
- Severe rheumatologic or orthopedic diseases (e.g., awaiting joint replacement)
- Taking GABAergic agonist/antagonist medications (e.g., benzodiazepines, gabapentin)
- Terminal illness with life expectancy less than 12 months
- Other serious co-morbid diseases impairing participation
- Severe hearing loss, speech disorder, or language barrier preventing communication with study staff
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 visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 weeks
Participants engage in either alpha neurofeedback training or visual attention training to improve cognitive function through computer-based exercises targeting brain activity and visual processing.
Multiple visits during the 6-week training period
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
A
Ashton Weber, BS
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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