Functional skill learning in men with traumatic brain injury.

Full Abstract

The number of people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) having persistent deficits that compromise their ability to perform everyday skills is increasing. Previous occupation-based studies indicate that computer-based skills using repetitive practice may be a viable option for retraining. We investigated the effects of different practice schedules on skill learning in 6 men with TBI. Participants with significant impairments in processing and fine motor control practiced 3 tasks using a random (n = 3) or a blocked (n = 3) ordered practice schedule. Practice occurred for 55 min/day for 13 days with retention and transfer trials taking place 2 weeks after training. Both groups showed a significant increase in performance during skill acquisition and maintained this performance. Only the random-practice group, however, was able to transfer this learning to another task. The findings provide evidence that people with TBI can improve their everyday skills with randomly structured practice.

Author information

Author/s: Giuffrida, Clare G (CG); Demery, Jason A (JA); Reyes, Lisa R (LR); Lebowitz, Brian K (BK); Hanlon, Robert E (RE);

Affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Rush University, 600 South Paulina, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. clare_giuffrida(-atsign-)rush.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: The American journal of occupational therapy. : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association (Am J Occup Ther), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2009 Jul-Aug; vol 63 (issue 4) : pp 398-407

Dates: Created 2009/08/27; Completed 2009/10/13;

PMID: 19708468, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/13/2009, IMS Date: )

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