Clinical Research Directory

CO-OP focuses on learning of a global problem-solving strategy, Goal-Plan-Do-Check (GPDC), within the performance of participant-chosen goals. Use of a broadly applicable strategy and meaningful activity ensures the intervention is salient to the participant and increases likelihood of transfer. Uniquely, therapists applying CO-OP use guided discovery methods to support participants in analyzing their own performance of a given task and generating potential solutions for improving performance. Participants become equipped with these skills through repetitive application of the Goal-Plan-Do-Check process.The intervention focuses on learning GPDC with gradual withdrawal of guided discovery methods.

Each session will begin with 20 minutes of anodal tDCS applied to the ipsilesional dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) at 1.5 mA. The cathode will be placed over the contralesional supraorbital area. Direct current will be applied through two saline soaked sponges placed on the scalp. The tDCS device contains software for double-blinded delivery.

Individuals receiving computerized cognitive training will receive an equal dosage of 12, 45-minute sessions directly following the assigned tDCS condition. The online training software of BrainHQ will be used. BrainHQ is a well-recognized cognitive training program that targets the areas of attention, memory, processing speed, people skills, intelligence, and navigation. BrainHQ tracks progress and automatically grades difficulty as appropriate.

Sham tDCS will involve the same preparation as in tDCS, but the current will ramp up for only 30 seconds and then return to zero. This method allows for sensations on the scalp associated with tDCS without inducing any neural changes.