Community Support Network Intervention for Traumatic Brain Injury
(SOAR-CSNI Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Female

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: University of British Columbia

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) comprises physical, sexual and emotional abuse and controlling behaviors imposed by an intimate partner. It is estimated that up to 92% of women who survive IPV may have suffered one or more traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from blows to the head, face, and neck, and/or anoxia or hypoxia due to strangulation. Even mild TBI may manifest as alternations in consciousness, black out, dizziness, disorientation, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, muscles weakness or paralysis and deficits in memory, attention, planning as well as executive functions. These signs and symptoms of TBI and their consequences impact the quality of life of women surviving IPV. Furthermore, survivors experiencing multiple IPV may acquire larger extent of the injury. Though this is recognized as an urgent and serious issue worldwide, it has been remarkably understudied. To improve the quality of life of women experiencing IPV-related TBI, and to prevent potential longer-term consequences, an evidence-based therapeutic treatment is an urgent need. The Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Brain Injury through Research (SOAR) Project at the University of British Columbia-Okanagan was designed to integrate TBI knowledge into community-based supports. This Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR) trainee application will focus on the evaluation of the effectiveness of a community support network intervention for women with IPV-related TBI. The outcomes will generate valuable evidence to inform potential new TBI-informed policies regarding community-based and health care supports for survivors of IPV.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for women who have experienced traumatic brain injuries (TBI) due to intimate partner violence (IPV). They should not be pregnant, have other neurological disorders like stroke or Alzheimer's, take medication affecting blood pressure, or have joint-affecting conditions like arthritis.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a woman who has survived brain injury due to intimate partner violence.

Exclusion Criteria

I am on medication that could affect my blood pressure.

Participants will be tested in the early follicular phase or, if on combined hormonal contraception, at the end of the week that is off this contraception.

I have a condition like arthritis affecting my joints.

+2 more

Participant Groups

The study tests a Community Support Network (CSN) intervention against usual care for women with IPV-related TBI. It aims to integrate TBI knowledge into community support and improve survivors' quality of life.

3Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Community Support Network (CSN) intervention groupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

The SOAR Community Support Network (CSN) intervention includes cognitive training, aerobic exercise, mindfulness meditation, counselling, quality of life tracking.

Group II: Control groupActive Control1 Intervention

Women who have experienced intimate partner violence but no sustained brain injury (Brain Injury Severity Assessment; BISA = 0)

Group III: Usual careActive Control1 Intervention

Participants in this group will receive dose-equivalent usual care