Executive function improvement in response to meta-cognitive training in chronic mTBI / PTSD

Objective We tested Goal Management Training (GMT), which has been recommended as an executive training protocol that may improve the deficits in complex tasks inherent life role participation experienced by those with chronic mild traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disease (mTBI/PTSD). assessed, not only cognitive function, but also (quality of life). Methods enrolled treated 14 individuals administered 10 GMT sessions in-person provided use Veterans Task Manager (VTM), a Smartphone App, was designed to serve “practice-buddy” device ensure translation learning independent home community practice tasks. Pre-/post-treatment primary measure NIH Examiner, Unstructured Task. Secondary measures were follows: Tower London time complete (cTOL), Community Reintegration Service Members (CRIS) three subdomains [Extent Participation; Limitations; Satisfaction Life Role Participation (Satisfaction)]. analyzed pre-post-treatment, t -test models explore change, generated descriptive statistics inspect given individual patterns change across measures. Results There statistically significant improvement for EXAMINER ( p < .02; effect size = .67) cTOL .01; .52. two CRIS subdomains: Extent .75; Limitations .05; .59). Individuals varied their treatment response, Conclusions Clinical Significance In mTBI/PTSD response VTM support buddy, there cognition processes, sufficiently robust produce participation. The variations need precision neurorehabilitation. positive results occurred advantages afforded content combined employment including following: manualized GMT; incremental task difficulty; structure flexibility incorporate individualized functional goals; capability ensuring instruction practice, solidifying newly learned processes. Study future study, potential randomized controlled trial, availability clinical deployment treatment, warranted.