The influence of information processing speed on benefit from learning and memory rehabilitation in TBI: a sub-analysis of the TBI-MEM trial

ABSTRACT

Objective

This study examined the influence of processing speed (PS) on benefit from treatment with the Kessler Foundation modified Story Memory Technique® (KF-mSMT®), a cognitive rehabilitation intervention shown to improve new learning and memory in traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Setting

Non-profit research center

Participants

62 participants with moderate-to-severe TBI were included, 31 assigned to the treatment group and 31 to the placebo-control group.

Design

Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. The present study represents a post-hoc analysis to examine the role of PS on treatment efficacy.

Main Measures

Baseline and follow-up neuropsychological assessment including the California Verbal Learning Test, Second Edition (CVLT-II), Memory Assessment Scales – Prose Memory (MAS-PM) and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT).

Results

A treatment effect was not observed on the CVLT-II learning slope in the treatment group relative to the placebo group post-treatment, after co-varying for education, baseline CVLT slope and PS performance. However, performance on a measure of PS, the SDMT, was a significant predictor of post-treatment change following KF-mSMT® treatment. PS was not a significant predictor of benefit from treatment as documented by the MAS-PM immediate or delayed recall score, both of which showed a significant treatment effect.

Conclusion

Performance on measures of cognitive dysfunction aside from learning and memory impact the benefit from KF-mSMT® treatment. Implications for cognitive rehabilitation for individuals with TBI are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Traumatic brain injury
• episodic memory
• processing speed
• cognitive rehabilitation
• KF-Msmt
• learning

Acknowledgments

The contents of this publication were developed under grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research Northern New Jersey TBI Model System (Grant# H133A120030). The contents of this publication do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

Statistical analysis

Statistical analyses were completed by Dr. Costa.

Disclosure statement

KF-mSMT® is a registered trademark owned by Kessler Foundation. All authors were Kessler Foundation employees at the time when the study was conducted.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research [Grant# H133A120030].