Research Article
Issue Date: May/June 2016
Published Online: April 01, 2016
Updated: April 30, 2020
Effectiveness of Interventions to Address Cognitive Impairments and Improve Occupational Performance After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review
Mary Vining Radomski; Mattie Anheluk; M. Penny Bartzen; Joette Zola
Author Affiliations
  • Mary Vining Radomski, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Senior Scientific Adviser, Courage Kenny Research Center, Minneapolis, MN; mary.radomski@allina.com
  • Mattie Anheluk, MAOT, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute–Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN
  • M. Penny Bartzen, OTD, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute–Buffalo Hospital, Buffalo, MN
  • Joette Zola, BS, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute–Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN
Article Information
Evidence-Based Practice / Neurologic Conditions / Traumatic Brain Injury / Special Issue: Evidence Review
Research Article   |   April 01, 2016
Effectiveness of Interventions to Address Cognitive Impairments and Improve Occupational Performance After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, April 2016, Vol. 70, 7003180050. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2016.020776
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, April 2016, Vol. 70, 7003180050. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2016.020776
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. To determine the effectiveness of interventions addressing cognitive impairments to improve occupational performance for people with traumatic brain injury.

METHOD. A total of 37 studies met inclusion criteria: 9 Level I systematic reviews, 14 Level I studies, 5 Level II studies, and 9 Level III studies.

RESULTS. Strong evidence supports use of direct attention training, dual-task training, and strategy training to optimize executive functioning, encoding, and use of memory compensations, including assistive technology. However, in most studies, occupational performance was a secondary outcome, if it was evaluated at all.

CONCLUSION. Although evidence supports many intervention approaches used by occupational therapy practitioners to address cognitive impairments of adults with traumatic brain injury, more studies are needed in which occupational performance is the primary outcome of cognitive intervention.