A Behavioral Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury-Associated Visual Dysfunction Based on Adult Cortical Plasticity

We have completed testing and training of two groups of control subjects, total of 42 subjects, the 2nd group using an improved training protocol (a modification that was not planned according to the original study design). There was a remarkable improvement in the objective measurements of the visual functions, both in the foveal and peripheral measurements, including subjective improvement reported by the subjects. The results of the modified training protocol were applied to TBI patients. We have presented the data in the 3rd International Workshop on Perceptual Learning in December 2012 and the full manuscript is under preparation on the data of all controls subjects. We have recruited 10 TBI patients so far and present their current results. There is already a pronounced improvement in their visual functions towards the levels of the normal control group, including in static contrast sensitivity and in lateral interactions, with the negative effect of lateral masking replaced by a slight positive effect of facilitation (i.e., detection threshold reduction). The subject also report subjective improvements in various visual functions, including reading, fixation on objects. In the methodological aspect, we have been able to establish the remote training protocol at the homes of the TBI participants, in addition to their weekly visits to the lab. We proceed with training and intensive screening the medical files to identify more potential TBI patients. We have submitted an abstract for presentation in the 10th World Congress on Brain Injury held by the International Brain Injury Association in March 2014 (attached). Note that the study period was extended by 1 year, until Sept 28 2014 (extension approval attached).
The original document contains color images.