Speed of Processing Training in Traumatic Brain Injury

The specific aims of the current research protocol are as follows: Aim 1: To test the
hypothesis that SIP training of individuals with ABI will improve processing speed. This
study is expected to demonstrate that individuals with ABI that receive SIP training will
improve on neurocognitive measures of processing speed. Aim 2: To test the generalizability
of SIP training of individuals with TBI to other cognitive domains beyond information
processing speed. This study is expected to demonstrate increases in working memory,
attention and executive functioning in the group that receives the cognitive training. Aim 3:
To test the hypothesis that SIP training of individuals with TBI will improve mood. This
study is expected to demonstrate that self-reported levels of depression will improve in the
group that receives cognitive training. Aim 4: To examine if changes in the neural integrity
of white matter pathways of the brain occur in individuals that undergo the SIP training.

All participants will undergo a set of baseline cognitive exams/tests, which will take
approximately two hours. Participants will be randomly placed in either the experimental
group or the control group. The experimental group will undergo approximately 40 hours of
training on the Brain Fitness Program over an eight week period. The control group will be
contacted once a week for eight weeks about their cognitively stimulating activities (i.e.
reading, working on the computer, and puzzles). At approximately the thirteenth week
participants from both groups will undergo post-baseline cognitive exams/tests. This
evaluation will take approximately two hours. In addition there is an optional neuroimaging
study which participants may elect to participate in. Participants who agree to take part in
the neuroimaging portion of the study will undergo a baseline MRI scan. At approximately 13
weeks later participants will undergo a post-baseline MRI scan. Both scans will take
approximately one hour.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Mild, moderate and severe traumatic brain injury or a cerebral vascular accident
(Stroke)

- All subjects will be between the ages of 18 and 70 years

- Free from significant psychiatric history (such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder),
due to the potential influence of such disorders on cognitive functioning

- Free of current alcohol or drug as these factors have been shown to negatively affect
cognitive abilities.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Potential participants will be excluded if they are currently taking benzodiazepines
or neuroleptics due to their potential effects on cognition.

- Participant will be excluded if they are unable to comprehend the English language,
either verbally or written.

- Participants will be excluded from the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan portion
of the study if they contain metal in their body that is not compatible with the MRI
scan.