Date of Award
2022
Document Type
Capstone
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Jyothi Gupta, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Abstract
Background: Concussions have been identified in the literature to cause impairments in several cognitive domains. Limited research exists for cognitive interventions for occupational therapists (OTs) working with concussions and post-concussion syndrome (PCS) using a bottom-up approach that targets domains of cognition. This pilot study responds to these shortcomings by identifying and implementing evidence-based treatment options for OTs working with individuals with concussion and PCS to mitigate associated cognitive deficits. Method: The researcher included participants, ages 18 years or older, who are three days’ to six months’ post-concussion with concussions or PCS in this study. The researcher administered a cognitive protocol over the course of 12 weeks for a maximum of three-one-hour weekly visits to improve subdomains of cognition. Results: Among the participants (n = 8), data reflect improvements in physical manifestation of concussion symptoms as evidenced by decreased patient report of symptoms on the Post- Concussion Symptom Scale. The data trends illustrate improvements on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment post-intervention scores as compared to pre-intervention scores, indicative of improved cognition among respective subdomains of cognition. Conclusion: To maximize the opportunity for neuroplastic changes among individuals with concussion or PCS, OTs can use the cognitive protocol as a guideline for cognitive remediation rehabilitation.
Recommended Citation
Urbanik, Faith M., "A Cognitive Protocol for Individuals with Concussion" (2022). OT Student Capstones. 8.
https://scholarworks.atsu.edu/ot-capstones/8