Behavioural ratings of self-regulatory mechanisms and driving behaviour after an acquired brain injury

Abstract

Objective: To explore whether measurements of self-regulatory mechanisms and cognition predict driving behaviour after an acquired brain injury (ABI).

Design: Consecutive follow-up study.

Participants: At baseline participants included 77 persons with stroke and 32 persons with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), all of whom completed a multidisciplinary driving assessment (MDA). A follow-up cohort of 34 persons that succeeded the MDA was included.

Baseline measurements: Neuropsychological tests and measurements of self-regulatory mechanisms (BRIEF-A and UPPS Impulsive Behaviour Scale), driving behaviour (DBQ) and pre-injury driving characteristics (mileage, compensatory driving strategies and accident rates).

Follow-up measurements: Post-injury driving characteristics were collected by mailed questionnaires from the participants who succeeded the MDA.

Methods: A MDA, which included a medical examination, neuropsychological testing and an on-road driving test, was considered in the decision for or against granting a driver’s license. Self-regulatory mechanisms and driving behaviour were examined for research purposes only.

Results: At baseline, self-regulatory mechanisms were significantly associated to aberrant driving behaviour, but not with neuropsychological data or with the outcome of the on-road driving test. Aspects of self-regulation were associated to driving behaviour at follow-up.

Conclusion: It is recommended that self-regulatory measurements should regularly be considered in the driving assessments after ABI.

• Automobile driving
• executive function
• neuropsychology
• personality
• self-regulation
• stroke
• traumatic brain injuries

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all persons for their participation and Frank Becker, MD, for the medical data quality assurance. The study was supported by grants from Extrastiftelsen (grant number 2008/2/0113).