A live video mind-body treatment to prevent persistent symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury: protocol for a mixed methods study

Jonathan Greenberg, Tanya Singh, Grant L. Iverson, Noah D. Silverberg, Eric A. Macklin, Robert A. Parker, Joseph T. Giacino, Gloria Y. Yeh, Ana Maria Vranceanu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Every year, approximately 42 million people sustain a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI, also known as concussion), with particularly high rates among college-aged individuals. A substantial proportion of these people (44%-64%) develop persistent symptoms that are challenging to treat, costly, and associated with significant disability. Anxiety has emerged as a risk factor for progression from acute to persistent mTBI symptoms. Objective: This study aims to develop, adapt, and establish the feasibility of the Toolkit for Optimal Recovery after Concussions (TOR-C), an innovative mind-body program aimed at preventing persistent symptoms among young adults with mTBI and comorbid anxiety. Here, we describe the proposed study design, methodology, measurement, and treatment manuals. Methods: In phase 1, we will conduct individual, live video qualitative interviews (up to n=20) with college-aged individuals with mTBI and comorbid anxiety to inform adaptation of the intervention and study procedures. In phase 2, an open pilot of the live video TOR-C (n=5) with exit interviews will be conducted to explore the initial feasibility, acceptability, and credibility of the program and to refine the study procedures. Phase 3 will involve conducting a feasibility randomized controlled trial (N=50) of the TOR-C versus a health education control (Health Enhancement for Concussions; HE-C), both delivered via live video, to establish feasibility of recruitment procedures (screening, eligibility, and enrollment) and data collection; feasibility, credibility, and acceptability of the live video TOR-C and HE-C (adherence, retention, fidelity, and satisfaction) following prespecified benchmarks; and a signal of improvement in outcomes. Results: Phase 1 of the study has been approved by the Massachusetts General Hospital Institutional Review Board. Study completion is anticipated by early 2025. Conclusions: We will develop and test the first mind-body intervention focused on prevention of persistent symptoms following mTBI in young adults with comorbid anxiety problems. This will allow us to establish feasibility markers in postconcussive symptoms, anxiety, disability, and fear avoidance to inform a future efficacy trial of the TOR-C versus HE-C. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/25746

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere25746
JournalJMIR Research Protocols
Volume10
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Anxiety
  • Intervention development
  • Mild traumatic brain injury
  • Mixed methods

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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