Description of a multifaceted intervention programme for fatigue after acquired brain injury: a pilot study

Effect of psychological interventions on depressive symptoms in the long term after acquired brain injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of psychological therapies applied more than one year after an acquired brain injury (ABI) in reducing depressive symptoms. A systematic literature search of databases yielded 48 studies that evaluated a psychological intervention for people with an ABI, applied the intervention on average more than one year after the ABI, compared pre- and post-intervention validated measures of depression and were available in English. The intervention did not have to be implemented with the sole of aim of reducing depressive symptoms. There was a significant reduction in depressive symptoms in those who received a psychological intervention in 29 out of 48 studies. Thirty-one studies compared depression scores in an intervention and a control group and were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis indicated a significant small overall effect size, -0.31, (standardized difference in means as the measure of ES; 95% CI, -0.53, -0.09, p = .0057, Tau2 = 0.30), suggesting that psychological interventions are effective in reducing depressive symptoms in those with an ABI when compared to control conditions. The effect may be biased by a small-study effect and dependent effect sizes.

Goal management training for improving fatigue in children and adolescents with acquired brain injuries: A 2-year follow-up of a randomised controlled trial

To explore the long-term effectiveness of a paediatric adaptation of Goal Management Training (pGMT), relative to a psychoeducative program (pBHW), in reducing fatigue after pABI 2 years post-intervention. Thirty-eight youths and their parents completed the Paediatric Quality of Life - Multidimensional Fatigue Scale. Primary outcome measures were Total Fatigue Score, General fatigue, Cognitive fatigue, and Sleep/rest fatigue (parent-report). No significant differences in fatigue symptoms by the parental report was observed between the intervention groups at the 2-year follow-up (total score: F = .16, p = .69; general fatigue: F = .36, p = .55; sleep/rest: F = .48, p = .49; and cognitive fatigue: F = .09, p = .76), nor any time*group interactions (total score: F = .25, p = .86; general fatigue: F = .39, p = .76; sleep/rest: F = .20, p = .89; and cognitive fatigue: F = .08, p = .97). In total, 45% of the participants in the pGMT group and 25% in the pBHW group demonstrated a reliable positive clinical change. The significant improvements in fatigue symptoms that were demonstrated 6 months post-intervention could not be confirmed in this 2-year follow-up study. However, a continued positive tendency on most dimensions of fatigue for the participants in the pGMT group could be observed, suggesting that cognitive rehabilitation may help reduce fatigue.

Assessing adherence and clinical utility of modified goal management training for adolescents with ADHD: A pilot study

Many adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have executive functioning (EF) difficulties that contribute to academic and social-emotional challenges. This pilot explored adherence to and effectiveness of modified Goal Management Training (GMT), an EF intervention, with ADHD youth. Six adolescents with ADHD (14-17 years, 2 female) participated in a 6-session online group. Adherence was tracked via attendance and homework. Reliable change scores gaged pre-post differences on measures before and after training (primary: everyday EF and goal attainment; secondary: EF task performance, functional impairment, emotional adjustment, and self-concept). All youth attended at least 4 sessions, though homework completion was mixed. Four youth achieved their goal, some demonstrated reliable change on outcome measures, and all evidenced a reduction in impairment. Results support the feasibility of modified GMT in adolescents with ADHD and suggest that youth may benefit from this more personalized and holistic approach to EF intervention.

Fatigue in patients with acquired brain damage

Fatigue is a complex, multidimensional syndrome that is prevalent in patients with acquired brain damage and has a negative impact on the neurorehabilitation process. It presents from early stages after the injury, and may persist over time, regardless of whether sequelae have resolved. Fatigue is conditioned by upper neuronal circuits, and is defined as an abnormal perception of overexertion. Its prevalence ranges from 29% to 77% after stroke, from 18% to 75% after traumatic brain injury, and from 47% to 97% after brain tumours. Fatigue is associated with factors including female sex, advanced age, dysfunctional families, history of specific health conditions, functional status (eg, fatigue prior to injury), comorbidities, mood, secondary disability, and the use of certain drugs. Assessment of fatigue is fundamentally based on such scales as the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Advances have recently been made in imaging techniques for its diagnosis, such as in functional MRI. Regarding treatment, no specific pharmacological treatment currently exists; however, positive results have been reported for some conventional neurorehabilitation therapies, such as bright light therapy, neurofeedback, electrical stimulation, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. This review aims to assist neurorehabilitation professionals to recognise modifiable factors associated with fatigue and to describe the treatments available to reduce its negative effect on patients.

Psychological Stress Management and Stress Reduction Strategies for Stroke Survivors: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Stroke can be a life-changing event, with survivors frequently experiencing some level of disability, reduced independence, and an abrupt lifestyle change. Not surprisingly, many stroke survivors report elevated levels of stress during the recovery process, which has been associated with worse outcomes.

PURPOSE

Given the multiple roles of stress in the etiology of stroke recovery outcomes, we aimed to scope the existing literature on stress management interventions that have been trialed in stroke survivors.

METHODS

We performed a database search for intervention studies conducted in stroke survivors which reported the effects on stress, resilience, or coping outcome. Medline (OVID), Embase (OVID), CINAHL (EBSCO), Cochrane Library, and PsycInfo (OVID) were searched from database inception until March 11, 2019, and updated on September 1, 2020.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. There was significant variation in the range of trialed interventions, as well as the outcome measures used to assess stress. Overall, just over half (13/24) of the included studies reported a benefit in terms of stress reduction. Acceptability and feasibility were considered in 71% (17/24) and costs were considered in 17% (4/24) of studies. The management of stress was rarely linked to the prevention of symptoms of stress-related disorders. The overall evidence base of included studies is weak. However, an increase in the number of studies over time suggests a growing interest in this subject.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research is required to identify optimum stress management interventions in stroke survivors, including whether the management of stress can ameliorate the negative impacts of stress on health.

A short add-on sleep intervention in the rehabilitation of individuals with acquired brain injury: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Sleep disturbances are common after acquired brain injury (ABI) and have a negative impact on functioning.

OBJECTIVE

This study examines whether a short add-on therapy for sleep disturbances in individuals with ABI is effective in addition to rehabilitation treatment as usual.

METHODS

In the randomized-controlled study, 54 adults with ABI and self-reported sleep disturbances receiving outpatient rehabilitation services were randomized in two groups: one receiving a sleep intervention (based on cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)) in addition to their rehabilitation treatment (CBT-I + TAU group) and one receiving treatment as usual (TAU). The primary outcome was sleep quality, measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Secondary outcomes included measures of anxiety, depression, fatigue and dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep.

RESULTS

The short add-on sleep therapy resulted in improvements in sleep quality in the CBT-I + TAU group as compared to the TAU group (ES = 0.924). Furthermore, the CBT-I + TAU group reported less dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep and were better able to cope with fatigue compared to the TAU group.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of this short add-on sleep intervention could be implemented in neuropsychological rehabilitation settings.

Occupational Therapy Interventions for Poststroke Fatigue: A Scoping Review

INTRODUCTION

Fatigue after stroke can negatively affect the survivors' well-being. Despite the high prevalence and consequences of poststroke fatigue (PSF), there is no specific guidance for occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) to address this symptom.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the study were to identify and describe the research on potential occupational therapy (OT) interventions for PSF.

METHOD

Three databases were searched using scoping review methodology. Two authors completed a title and abstract and full-text review. Study characteristics, participant characteristics, qualities of interventions, and outcome measures were extracted and synthesized.

RESULTS

Eight studies met selection criteria. Studies were conducted with stroke and traumatic brain injury patients in outpatient, inpatient, and community settings. Interventions included psychoeducation and behavior change, multicomponent programs, and mindfulness-based stress reduction therapies. The Fatigue Severity Scale and the Mental Fatigue Scale were commonly used.

CONCLUSION

Evidence for OT interventions targeting PSF is limited. Recommendations for future research are provided.

Fatigue in patients with acquired brain damage

Fatigue is a complex, multidimensional syndrome that is prevalent in patients with acquired brain damage and has a negative impact on the neurorehabilitation process. It presents from early stages after the injury, and may persist over time, regardless of whether sequelae have resolved. Fatigue is conditioned by upper neuronal circuits, and is defined as an abnormal perception of overexertion. Its prevalence ranges from 29% to 77% after stroke, from 18% to 75% after traumatic brain injury, and from 47% to 97% after brain tumours. Fatigue is associated with factors including female sex, advanced age, dysfunctional families, history of specific health conditions, functional status (eg, fatigue prior to injury), comorbidities, mood, secondary disability, and the use of certain drugs. Assessment of fatigue is fundamentally based on such scales as the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Advances have recently been made in imaging techniques for its diagnosis, such as in functional MRI. Regarding treatment, no specific pharmacological treatment currently exists; however, positive results have been reported for some conventional neurorehabilitation therapies, such as bright light therapy, neurofeedback, electrical stimulation, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. This review aims to assist neurorehabilitation professionals to recognise modifiable factors associated with fatigue and to describe the treatments available to reduce its negative effect on patients.

Right people, right time? a qualitative study of service access experiences of adults with acquired brain injury following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation

Purpose:

The intention of this paper is to develop the personal concept of appropriate access. We report on the service access experiences and opportunities of adults with an acquired brain injury after leaving inpatient rehabilitation. The benefits of appropriate access underpin standards in early and long-term recovery, though users’ access needs are highly personal.

Methods:

The study used a qualitative design involving 16 semi-structured interviews with Australian adults with an acquired brain injury after discharge from inpatient brain rehabilitation. Data were thematically analysed.

Results:

Three main themes were derived from the analysis. Theme 1 shows that participants valued being steered to services that providers thought appropriate for them early after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Theme 2 highlights the tensions between timing and personal recovery and perceived needs. Theme 3 captures participants’ insights into the challenges of gaining access vis-a-vis what the system offers and the enablers of actualising appropriate access.

Conclusion:

The positive experiences of being directed to specialist services early after discharge suggest that continuity of care constitutes appropriateness of access for participants in this study. However, it is also clear that continuity should not displace flexibility in the timing of services, to accord with individuals’ perceived needs. This, in addition to enablement of access opportunities, through funding and transport, are important in maintaining a personalised approach.