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Brain Research Assessing Impacts of Neurophysiological Processing Speed Training in Veterans
Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Summary
Older veterans with a history of mild brain trauma exhibit early cognitive challenges, especially in driving-related tasks. This is attributed to alterations in the brain's excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance. This pilot project investigates this phenomenon by leveraging electroencephalography (EEG) to measure parietal lobe alpha rhythms during visual attention tasks. The hypothesis is that targeted visual attention training can modulate these alpha rhythms, improving instrumental activities in daily life. However, outcomes from such training vary, possibly due to individual differences in cortical inhibitory functions. This study will assess the relationship between EEG measures of E/I balance pre- and post-visual attention training and its effects on processing speeds in aging veterans. Our findings aim to provide a foundation for customized therapies and interventions for veterans with and without a history of brain trauma.
Official title: BRAIN-SPEED-VETS: Brain Research Assessing Impacts of Neurophysiological Processing Speed Training in Veterans
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
50 Years - 85 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
36
Start Date
2025-07-01
Completion Date
2028-04-01
Last Updated
2025-08-29
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Alpha neurofeedback training
Alpha neurofeedback training affords the participant the ability to monitor cortical EEG waves and entrain to a specific rhythm using visual feedback. Alpha is measured between 8-12Hz and is associated with cortical inhibition. Aging related changes in alpha have been associated with loss of modulation ability. However, alpha training may afford increased perception of visual details.
Visual Attention Training
Visual attention training involves repeated testing on the location and identity of objects in the visual field. Also called the "Dual Decision" task training, objects are briefly presented in a radial field of view surrounding a gaze fixation point. The participant is asked to remember the location and object presented within the field. The test progressively increases in difficulty by limiting the amount of time the object is presented on screen. Accuracy is measured by either a correct or incorrect response (binary response).
Locations (1)
CH19 933 19th St S
Birmingham, Alabama, United States