Oculomotor Treatment in Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Vision impairments, including oculomotor dysfunction, are prevalent following traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Limited evidence exists to guide clinicians on effective interventions for oculomotor impairments in TBI survivors.
• Establishing best practices in occupational therapy for TBI-related visual deficits is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating an impairment-based oculomotor treatment protocol in TBI rehabilitation.
• To compare the efficacy of a specific oculomotor protocol against standard care for TBI patients.

Main Methods:

• A two-group randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with participants masked to assignment.
• Participants with TBI received either an impairment-based oculomotor protocol (Six Eye Exercises) or standard care for 4 weeks.
• Oculomotor status and functional abilities were assessed using validated measures at baseline and posttreatment.

Main Results:

• Sixteen participants completed the study; fatigue was the main reason for withdrawal, with no other adverse effects reported.
• Both the oculomotor treatment group and the standard care group demonstrated improvements in selected outcome measures.
• The study successfully piloted the RCT methodology and data collection for oculomotor interventions in TBI.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest that oculomotor dysfunction may improve with remedial treatment during inpatient TBI rehabilitation.
• An appropriately powered randomized controlled trial is recommended to definitively evaluate the efficacy of oculomotor treatment for TBI.
• This pilot study contributes to the evidence base for clinicians managing visual impairments after TBI.