An RCT to treat learning impairment in traumatic brain injury: The TBI-MEM trial

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Study examined the efficacy of the modified Story Memory Technique (mSMT) to improve learning and memory in participants with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The mSMT is a behavioral intervention that teaches context and imagery to facilitate learning within 10 sessions over 5 weeks. A total of 69 participants with moderate-severe TBI (35 in the treatment group and 34 in the placebo control group) completed this double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial (RCT). A baseline neuropsychological assessment was administered, including questionnaires assessing everyday memory. Repeat assessments were conducted immediately posttreatment and 6 months following treatment. Participants in the treatment group were randomly assigned to a booster session or a non-booster session group after completion of treatment with the mSMT to examine the efficacy of monthly booster sessions in facilitating the treatment effect over time. Results showed that the treatment group demonstrated significant improvement on a prose memory task relative to the placebo group posttreatment. Similar results were noted on objective measures of everyday memory, specifically prospective memory, and family report of disinhibition in daily life. The findings suggest that the mSMT is effective for improving learning and memory in TBI.

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