Addressing Participation in Adults With Postconcussive Symptoms Using Cognitive Strategy Training: A Feasibility...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Occupational Therapy
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Persistent symptoms after concussion significantly impair occupational functioning.
• Metacognitive strategy training offers a potential avenue for addressing these deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and preliminary effects of the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) intervention.
• To evaluate CO-OP's impact on adults experiencing persistent post-concussive symptoms affecting their daily lives.

Main Methods:

• A single-group, prospective study was conducted in a university research laboratory.
• Fourteen adults with persistent post-concussive symptoms participated in ten 45-minute CO-OP intervention sessions.
• Feasibility was measured by recruitment, retention, and adherence rates; outcomes included occupational performance, concussion symptoms, sleep, vision, and cognition.

Main Results:

• The study achieved acceptable recruitment (32%), high retention (93%), and perfect adherence (100%) rates.
• Participants reported high satisfaction with the CO-OP intervention.
• Significant improvements were observed in occupational performance, general concussion symptoms, and cognitive functioning.

Conclusions:

• The CO-OP intervention is a feasible and acceptable approach for adults with post-concussive symptoms.
• Positive feasibility and preliminary outcome data support further investigation in larger trials.
• CO-OP shows promise for improving functional outcomes in individuals with persistent post-concussive symptoms.