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Updated: Jul 22, 2025

A Computerized Functional Skills Assessment and Training Program Targeting Technology Based Everyday Functional Skills
Published on: February 13, 2020
Executive function improvement in response to meta-cognitive training in chronic mTBI / PTSD
J Kay Waid-Ebbs1, Pey-Shan Wen2, Tyler Grimes3
1Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Rehabilitation Research and Development, Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Gainesville, FL, United States.
Goal Management Training (GMT) with the Veterans Task Manager (VTM) app improved executive functions and community participation for Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury and PTSD. Individual responses highlight the need for personalized neurorehabilitation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Psychology
Background:
- Chronic mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often lead to executive function deficits.
- These deficits can impair an individual's ability to participate in daily life roles and activities.
- Goal Management Training (GMT) is a recommended intervention for executive dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of GMT combined with the Veterans Task Manager (VTM) app in improving cognitive function and life role participation in Veterans with mTBI/PTSD.
- To assess changes in cognitive performance and quality of life following the intervention.
Main Methods:
- 14 Veterans with mTBI/PTSD received 10 in-person GMT sessions.
- The Veterans Task Manager (VTM) smartphone app was used as a practice tool to support home and community task practice.
- Pre- and post-treatment assessments included the NIH Examiner Unstructured Task, Tower of London (cTOL), and Community Reintegration of Service Members (CRIS) subscales.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant improvements were observed in the NIH EXAMINER Unstructured Task (p < .02) and cTOL completion time (p < .01).
- Significant improvements were also noted in CRIS subdomains: Extent of Participation (p < .01) and Limitations (p < .05).
- Individual responses to treatment varied across measures.
Conclusions:
- GMT, supported by the VTM app, effectively improved executive cognition and community life role participation in Veterans with mTBI/PTSD.
- The observed individual variations underscore the importance of precision neurorehabilitation.
- The findings support further research, including a randomized controlled trial, and the clinical deployment of GMT and VTM.
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