Acquired Brain Injury and Neurorehabilitation: the Influence of Psychological Characteristics

The neurorehabilitative process can be influenced by different factors. Among the most studied are those related to the characteristics of the patient (age, level of education...), the injury (nature, location, magnitude...) or the treatment received (early, intensive...). In contrast, the possible influence of the patient's psychological characteristics on the neurorehabilitation process has been little studied.

Published research on the role of psychological characteristics in the neurorehabilitation process has focused on populations with mild brain damage, using cross-sectional methodologies. The researchers that use longitudinal methodologies study its influence in the chronic phase or once the intensive neurorehabilitation process is completed. There is, therefore, a field to explore in relation to the psychological characteristics of adult patients with moderate-severe acquired brain damage. Furthermore, longitudinal methodology has not been previously used to analyze possible changes in psychological variables during the neurorehabilitation process, nor the influence it may have on its prognosis.

Research Hypothesis:

Psychological characteristics, such as emotional well-being, self-esteem, and motivation, influence neurorehabilitation outcomes in patients with moderate-severe acquired brain damage.

It is expected that:

1. Psychological characteristics associated with greater emotional well-being and psychological adjustment will positively correlate with each other.
2. Demographic, cognitive, and functional indicators will significantly mediate the relationship between psychological characteristics and rehabilitation outcomes.
3. Differences will be observed in psychological characteristics based on the etiology of brain damage, given their varying nature, chronicity, and the neurological sequelae they cause.
4. Trait-type psychological characteristics will remain relatively stable, while state-type characteristics will show significant changes during the neurorehabilitation program.
5. Initial psychological characteristics linked to greater emotional well-being and adjustment will be predictive of better emotional and functional outcomes at the conclusion of the intensive neurorehabilitation process.

Objectives:

To verify the research hypothesis, the following objectives are set:

Main Objective To study the psychological characteristics of individuals with acquired brain damage.

Secondary Objectives:

• SO1: Analyze the relationships among the psychological characteristics studied.
• SO2: Explore the associations between psychological characteristics and other indicators (demographic, cognitive, functional).
• SO3: Investigate differences in psychological characteristics based on the etiology of brain damage.
• SO4: Assess the evolution and changes in psychological characteristics throughout the neurorehabilitation program.
• SO5: Evaluate the prognostic value of initial psychological characteristics in predicting neurorehabilitation outcomes.

Methodology: Prospective observational longitudinal study.

Sample:

After analyzing recent studies that address the same topic, it has been estimated that a sample of approximately 200 participants will be sufficient to meet the proposed objectives.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria are described in the proper section.

Method

Procedure:

At the beginning of the neurorehabilitation program, computerized questionnaires will be administered that assess 14 psychological characteristics (time T1). The same questionnaires will be administered again 2 months later (time T2). In those hospitalized patients who subsequently continue outpatient treatment, a third administration will be carried out 2 months later (time T3).

The 14 selected psychological characteristics will be assessed from 14 standardized questionnaires. The estimated time to complete all the questionnaires is approximately 45 minutes. They will be administered using REDCap (www.project-redcap.org). REDCap is a web application that allows the creation and administration of questionnaires and databases online. Participants will be offered the possibility of completing the questionnaires in person or online. In the second case, the link will be sent to them by email.

The list and characteristics of the main outcome variables are described in its proper section.

Other types of data will also be collected:

• Injury data: NIHHS in the case of patients with stroke, Glasgow Coma Scale in the case of patients with traumatic brain injury.
• Demographic and social data: Age, time since injury, educational level, occupation level, socio-family assessment scale (EVSF-IG).
• Functional data: Functional independence measure (FIM), Barthel index and the gait assessment scale (FAC).
• Measure of therapeutic adherence: Number of the cognitive rehabilitation sessions carried out.
• Cognitive measures:

Orientation: Subtest of orientation in person, space and time of the Barcelona Test (T. B).

Language: Subtest of word repetition, visual-verbal naming and comprehension of orders (T. B).

Gnosis (Visoperception): Subtest of superimposed images (T. B).

Attention:

Attentional span: Digit span (WAIS-III). Selective: TMT-A Divided: TMT-B Sustained: Continuous Performance Test (CPT-3). Verbal memory: Short-term, Long-term, and Recognition (RAVLT).

Executive Functions:

Working memory: Reverse digit span, Letter-Number Sequencing (WAIS-III) Flexibility: PMR, WCST (Perseverative errors). Categorization: WCST (Categories) Visual construction: Block Design (WAIS-III). Processing speed: Digit Symbol(WAIS-III)

Processing of personal data:

All participants will be informed at the beginning of the study of its characteristics, its objectives and the implications of their participation, in order to obtain their consent to participate. For this reason, they will be provided with an information document describing the type of study, the potential advantages and disadvantages, the duration of the project and the procedures that will be applied. In addition, the document will explain very precisely all the measures related to data protection, and the right of participants to decline their participation in the study without consequences, explicitly guaranteeing that there will be no difference in the way in which they may be treated in the future at the center, regardless of their decision to participate in the study; as well as the right to abandon it at any time they consider appropriate, without needing to offer any explanation justifying their decision.

In order to preserve the confidentiality of the subjects who are part of the study, techniques will be used to dissociate personal data from the data that is part of the research object. The researchers will use anonymized data at all times, which they will receive through a query to the IT department from the research and innovation office, who will supervise the effective elimination of any personal data. The procedure will comply at all times with the regulations established in Organic Law 03/2018 of 5 December and Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on Data Protection (GDPR).

Ethical considerations:

• The treatment proposed in the study does not pose any risk to the patients who are part of the sample, while it could be beneficial both for the treatment and for the evaluation of symptoms and functional limitations resulting from brain damage.
• During the study, the international ethical standards for research on humans established in the principles defined in the Declaration of Helsinki and subsequent revisions (Fortalesa, Brazil, October 2013), the code of good clinical practice and national recommendations will be followed in accordance with current legislation established in Law 14/2007 on Biomedical Research.
• Prior to the start of the study, authorization will be requested from the CEIm of the Catalan Union of Hospitals Foundation. Any modification of the protocol, other than administrative changes, will require an amendment to the protocol that will have to be approved by the same Committee.
• The researcher will have to ensure that the participant understands clearly and precisely that his/her participation is voluntary, that it will not affect in any way the way he/she is or may be treated at the center, now or in the future, and that he/she may stop participating at any time, without having to give explanations or justify it.
• The researcher will also explain to each patient the nature of the study, its purposes, procedures, estimated duration, potential risks and benefits related to participation in the study, as well as any inconvenience that this may entail. Each participant will be informed that their participation is voluntary and that they may withdraw from the study at any time, without this affecting their subsequent medical treatment or their relationship with the doctor treating them.
• The patient will have sufficient time to read and understand the researcher's explanations contained in the information sheet (see appendix I) before signing the informed consent (see appendix II). The patient will receive a copy of this document. No patient may be included in the study without first giving written consent.