Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Sponsor: Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario
Summary
Formal MBIs, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), have been shown to increase resiliency and teach affect regulation. However, these formal interventions may not be suitable for acutely concussed youth as they are costly, not easily accessible (trained therapists are needed), and require commitment from parents and children for in-person weekly meetings and at-home practice of learned skills for 8 to 16 weeks. Further, MBSR programs may not be readily accessible immediately after a concussion. With the increasing use of mobile phones and tablets in youth, mobile health offers a powerful platform for mental health interventions. Advantages of app-based interventions include constant availability, greater access, tailored content, lower cost, immediate delivery, and increased service capacity and efficiency. Therefore, the anticipated benefit is to show the efficacy of a pragmatic and low-cost intervention and reduce barriers to care through a novel, innovative and accessible MBI treatment program. This will have both a benefit to public health and expand our understanding of the impact of MBIs on pediatric recovery.
Official title: Multisite Randomized Clinical Trial: Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MBI-4-mTBI)
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
12 Years - 18 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
362
Start Date
2026-05
Completion Date
2029-12
Last Updated
2026-03-18
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Mindfulness Based Intervention (MBI)
Using the Dawn MBI-based app, targeted MBI training will consist of a 4-to-8-week custom-made program that includes audio-recorded lectures, guided meditations such as walking meditations and body scans, setting intentions and check-in with mood, and writing events journal. Each standardized course is unlocked as the participant progresses through the MBI program. Participants will be encouraged to engage in the app-based activities for at least 10 minutes every day, with a minimum of 4 days per week, over a period of 4 weeks (with option to continue for 8 weeks).
Cognitive Sham
Usual care recommends that the patient refrain from physical and cognitive activities for 24-48 hours after injury. After the rest period, it is recommended that low to moderate levels of physical and cognitive activity be gradually started 24-48 hours after injury. The activities should be performed at a level that does not result in recurrence or exacerbation of symptoms. Children must refrain from any activities that increase the risk of re-injury (drills with body contact or that risk falls) until fully asymptomatic and cleared by their primary care or other medical provider. The sham journey will consist of playing an open-source cognitive math game (called "2048") delivered through the same app as MBI, but without the mindfulness content. Participants will be encouraged to utilize the app for at least 10 minutes every day, with a minimum of 4 days a week, over a period of 4 weeks.
Locations (5)
Stollery Children's Hospital
Edmonton, Ontario, Canada
Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
The Hospital of Sick Children (SickKids)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
BC Children's Hospital
Vancouver, Ontario, Canada
Montreal Children's Hospital
Montreal, Canada