Hostname: page-component-8448b6f56d-jr42d Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-24T21:10:52.844Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Evaluating the feasibility and efficacy of the Amsterdam memory and attention training for children (Amat-c) following acquired brain injury (ABI): protocol for a pilot study with online clinician support

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 July 2021

Cathy Catroppa*
Affiliation:
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
Edith Botchway
Affiliation:
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
Nicholas P. Ryan
Affiliation:
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
Vicki Anderson
Affiliation:
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
Elle Morrison
Affiliation:
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
Bernadette Lam
Affiliation:
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
Chandelle Piazza
Affiliation:
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
Daina Krasts
Affiliation:
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
Emma McIntosh
Affiliation:
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
Noor Khan
Affiliation:
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
Nikita Sood
Affiliation:
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
*
*Corresponding author. Email: cathy.catroppa@mcri.edu.au
Get access

Abstract

Background:

Attention and memory deficits are common following paediatric acquired brain injury (ABI). However, there are few evidence-based interventions to improve these domains and benefit the everyday life of children post-injury. The Amsterdam Memory and Attention Training for children (Amat-c) has been translated from Dutch to English and shown to improve attention and memory skills in children following ABI. This protocol describes a study to expand accessibility of the program by using online, clinician-supported delivery with children post-ABI.

Method/design:

The study is a randomized controlled trial. Participants will be 40 children aged 8–16 a minimum of one-year post-ABI. Participants in the treatment group will complete 18 weekly sessions of the Amat-c program with weekly online clinician support. Participants in the active-control group will be administered ABI psychoeducation via a booklet for parents, with weekly online clinician contact. Attention and memory will be assessed at three time points up to six months post-intervention.

Results:

Analysis will be repeated measures multivariate planned comparisons; using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics) General Linear Model procedure will compare pre- and post-intervention and six-month follow-up outcomes.

Discussion:

If shown efficacious in improving attention and memory, our team will then take a key role in implementing Amat-c into clinical care.

Type
Research Protocol
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Australasian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Allen, D. N., Leany, B. D., Thaler, N. S., Cross, C., Sutton, G. P., & Mayfield, J. (2010). Memory and attention profiles in pediatric traumatic brain injury. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 25(7), 618633. doi: 10.1093/arclin/acq051.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Anderson, V., & Catroppa, C. (2007). Memory outcome at 5 years post-childhood traumatic brain injury. Brain Injury, 21(13–14), 13991409. doi: 10.1080/02699050701785070.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Anderson, V., Catroppa, C., Morse, S., Haritou, F., & Rosenfeld, J. (2005). Attentional and processing skills following traumatic brain injury in early childhood. Brain Injury, 19(9), 699710. doi: 10.1080/02699050400025281.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Anderson, V., & Moore, C. (1995). Age at injury as a predictor of outcome following pediatric head injury: A longitudinal perspective. Child Neuropsychology, 1(3), 187202. doi: 10.1080/09297049508400224.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Araujo, G. C., Antonini, T. N., Anderson, V., Vannatta, K. A., Salley, C. G., Bigler, E. D., & Yeates, K. O. (2017). Profiles of executive function across children with distinct brain disorders: Traumatic brain injury, stroke, and brain tumor. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 23(7), 529538. doi: 10.1017/S1355617717000364.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Brooks, B. L., Sherman, E. M. S., & Strauss, E. (2009). NEPSY-II: A developmental neuropsychological assessment, second edition. Child Neuropsychology, 16(1), 80101.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Catroppa, C., & Anderson, V. (2005). A prospective study of the recovery of attention from acute to 2 years following pediatric traumatic brain injury. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 11(1), 8498. doi: 10.1017/S1355617705050101.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Catroppa, C., & Anderson, V. (2007). Recovery in memory function, and its relationship to academic success, at 24 months following pediatric TBI. Child Neuropsychology, 13(3), 240261. doi: 10.1080/09297040600837362.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Catroppa, C., & Anderson, V. (2009). Neurodevelopmental outcomes of pediatric traumatic brain injury. Future Neurology, 4(6), 811821. doi: 10.2217/fnl.09.52.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Catroppa, C., Anderson, V., Beauchamp, M., & Yeates, K. (2016). New frontiers in pediatric traumatic brain injury: An evidence base for clinical practice. New York: Routledge.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Catroppa, C., Anderson, V., Godfrey, C., & Rosenfeld, J. V. (2011). Attentional skills 10 years post-paediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). Brain Injury, 25(9), 858869. doi: 10.3109/02699052.2011.589794.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Catroppa, C., Stone, K., Hearps, S. J. C., Soo, C., Anderson, V., & Rosema, S. (2015). Evaluation of an attention and memory intervention post-childhood acquired brain injury: Preliminary efficacy, immediate and 6 months post-intervention. Brain Injury, 29(11), 13171324. doi: 10.3109/02699052.2015.1043345.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Catroppa, C., Stone, K., Rosema, S., Soo, C., & Anderson, V. (2014). Preliminary efficacy of an attention and memory intervention post-childhood brain injury. Brain Injury, 28(2), 252260. doi: 10.3109/02699052.2013.860471.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Cohen, M. (1997). CMS – Children’s Memory Scale Manual. San Antonio: Harcourt Brace & Company.Google Scholar
Crowe, L., Babl, F., Anderson, V., & Catroppa, C. (2009). The epidemiology of paediatric head injuries: Data from a referral centre in Victoria, Australia. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 45(6), 346350. doi: 10.1111/j.440-1754.2009.01499.x.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Dvorak, E., & van Heugten, C. (2018). A summary on the effectiveness of the Amsterdam Memory and Attention Training for children (Amat-c) in children with brain injury. Brain Injury, 32(1), 1828. doi: 10.1080/02699052.2017.1367961.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Eve, M., O’Keeffe, F., Jhuty, S., Ganesan, V., Brown, G., & Murphy, T. (2016). Computerized working-memory training for children following arterial ischemic stroke: A pilot study with long-term follow-up. Applied Neuropsychology: Child, 5(4), 273282. doi: 10.1080/21622965.2015.1055563.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Farmer, J. E., Haut, J. S., Williams, J., Kapila, C., Johnstone, B., & Kirk, K. S. (1999). Comprehensive assessment of memory functioning following traumatic brain injury in children. Developmental Neuropsychology, 15(2), 269289. doi: 10.1080/87565649909540749.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Fleminger, S., & Ponsford, J. (2005). Long term outcome after traumatic brain injury. BMJ, 331(7530), 1419. doi: 10.1136/bmj.331.7530.1419.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Gilboa, Y., Kerrouche, B., Longaud-Vales, A., Kieffer, V., Tiberghien, A., Aligon, D., … Paule Chevignard, M. (2015). Describing the attention profile of children and adolescents with acquired brain injury using the virtual classroom. Brain Injury, 29(13–14), 16911700. doi: 10.3109/02699052.2015.1075148.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Ginstfeldt, T., & Emanuelson, I. (2010). An overview of attention deficits after paediatric traumatic brain injury. Brain Injury, 24(10), 11231134. doi: 10.3109/02699052.2010.506853.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Gioia, G. A., Isquith, P. K., Guy, S. C., & Kenworthy, L. (2000). Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function. Odessa, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources.Google Scholar
Giustini, A., Pistarini, C., & Pisoni, C. (2013). Traumatic and nontraumatic brain injury. In Handbook of clinical neurology (Vol. 110, pp. 401409). Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-52901-5.00034-4.Google Scholar
Gonzalez, L. M., Anderson, V. A., Wood, S. J., Mitchell, L. A., Heinrich, L., & Harvey, A. S. (2008). The Observer Memory Questionnaire—Parent form: Introducing a new measure of everyday memory for children. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 14(2), 337342.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hendriksen, C. M., & Van den Broek, T. M. (1996). Amat-c manual and workbook. Lisse, Switzerland: Swets & Zeitlinger.Google Scholar
Howell, D. R., Wilson, J. C., Kirkwood, M. W., & Grubenhoff, J. A. (2019). Quality of life and symptom burden 1 month after concussion in children and adolescents. Clinical Pediatrics, 58(1), 4249. doi: 10.1177/0009922818806308.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Jonsson, C. A., Smedler, A.-C., Ljungmark, M. L., & Emanuelson, I. (2009). Long-term cognitive outcome after neurosurgically treated childhood traumatic brain injury. Brain Injury, 23(13–14), 10081016. doi: 10.3109/02699050903379354.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Königs, M., Heij, H. A., van der Sluijs, J. A., Vermeulen, R. J., Goslings, J. C., Luitse, J. S. K., … Oosterlaan, J. (2015). Pediatric traumatic brain injury and attention deficit. Pediatrics, 136(3), 534541. doi: 10.1542/peds.2015-0437.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Korkman, M., Kirk, U., & Kemp, S. (2007). NEPSY—Second Edition (NEPSY-II). San Antonio, TX: Harcourt Assessment.Google Scholar
Limond, J., Adlam, A. R., & Cormack, M. (2014). A model for pediatric neurocognitive interventions: Considering the role of development and maturation in rehabilitation planning. The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 28(2), 181198. doi: 10.1080/13854046.2013.873083.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Mandalis, A., Kinsella, G., Ong, B., & Anderson, V. (2007). Working memory and new learning following pediatric traumatic brain injury. Developmental Neuropsychology, 32(2), 683701. doi: 10.1080/87565640701376045.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Manly, T., Anderson, V., Robertson, I., & Nimmo-Smith, I. (1999). The Test of Everyday Attention for Children. London: Thames Valley Test Company.Google Scholar
McKay, E., Richmond, S., Kirk, H., Anderson, V., Catroppa, C., & Cornish, K. (2019). Training attention in children with acquired brain injury: A study protocol of a randomised controlled trial of the TALI attention training programme. BMJ Open, 9(12). doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032619.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Mirsky, A. F., Anthony, B. J., Duncan, C. C., Ahearn, M. B., & Kellam, S. G. (1991). Analysis of the elements of attention: A neuropsychological approach. Neuropsychology Review, 2(2), 109145. doi: 10.1007/BF01109051.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
O’Rance, L., & Fortune, N. (2007). Disability in Australia: Acquired brain injury. Bulletin, 55, 2122.Google Scholar
Reynolds, C. R., & Kamphaus, R. W. (1992). Behavior assessment system for children. Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance Service.Google Scholar
Reynolds, C. R., & Kamphaus, R. W. (2004). BASC-2 Behavior Assessment for Children Manual. Minnesota: American Guidance Service.Google Scholar
Robinson, K. E., Kaizar, E., Catroppa, C., Godfrey, C., & Yeates, K. O. (2014). Systematic review and meta-analysis of cognitive interventions for children with central nervous system disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 39(8), 846865. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsu031.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Segui-Gomez, M., & MacKenzie, E. J. (2003). Measuring the public health impact of injuries. Epidemiologic Reviews, 25 ( 1), 319. doi: 10.1093/epirev/mxg007.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Sjö, N. M., Spellerberg, S., Weidner, S., & Kihlgren, M. (2010). Training of attention and memory deficits in children with acquired brain injury. Acta Paediatrica, 99(2), 230236. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2009.01587.x.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Sparrow, S. S., Cicchetti, D. V., & Balla, A. D. (2005). Vineland adaptive behavior scales (2nd ed.). Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance Service.Google Scholar
Thatcher, R. W. (1991). Maturation of the human frontal lobes: Physiological evidence for staging. Developmental Neuropsychology, 7(3), 397419. doi: 10.1080/87565649109540500.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Van Heugten, C. M., Hendriksen, J., Rasquin, S., Dijcks, B., Jaeken, D., & Vles, J. H. S. (2006). Long-term neuropsychological performance in a cohort of children and adolescents after severe paediatric traumatic brain injury. Brain Injury, 20(9), 895903. doi: 10.1080/02699050600832015.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
van Tol, E., Gorter, J. W., DeMatteo, C., & Meester-Delver, A. (2011). Participation outcomes for children with acquired brain injury: A narrative review. Brain Injury, 25(13–14), 12791287. doi: 10.3109/02699052.2011.613089.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
van’t Hooft, I., Andersson, K., Bergman, B., Sejersen, T., von Wendt, L., & Bartfai, A. (2005). Beneficial effect from a cognitive training programme on children with acquired brain injuries demonstrated in a controlled study. Brain Injury, 19(7), 511518. doi: 10.1080/02699050400025224.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
van’t Hooft, I., Andersson, K., Bergman, B., Sejersen, T., von Wendt, L., & Bartfai, A. (2007). Sustained favorable effects of cognitive training in children with acquired brain injuries. NeuroRehabilitation, 22(2), 109116. doi: 10.3233/NRE-2007-22206.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
van’t Hooft, I., Andersson, K., Sejersen, T., Bartfai, A., & von Wendt, L. (2003). Attention and memory training in children with acquired brain injuries. Acta Paediatrica, 92(8), 935940. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2003.tb00627.x.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Varni, J. W., Seid, M., & Rode, C. A. (1999). The PedsQLTM: Measurement model for the pediatric quality of life inventory. Medical Care, 37(2), 126139.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ward, H., Shum, D., McKinlay, L., Baker, S., & Wallace, G. (2007). Prospective memory and pediatric traumatic brain injury: Effects of cognitive demand. Child Neuropsychology, 13(3), 219239. doi: 10.1080/09297040600910003.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Wechsler, D. (2011). WASI-II: Wechsler abbreviated scale of intelligence. San Antonio: PsychCorp.Google Scholar
Wilkinson, G. S., & Robertson, G. J. (2006). Wide Range Achievement Test 4 (WRAT 4). Lutz: Psychological Assessment Resources.Google Scholar
Wilson, B. A., Greenfield, E., Clare, L., Baddeley, A., Cockburn, J., Watson, P., & Crawford, J. (2008). The Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test – Third edition. London: Pearson.Google Scholar
Wilson, B.A., Cockburn, J., & Baddeley, A. (1985). Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test. London: Thames Valley Test Company.Google Scholar