National Data and Statistical Center

University of Alabama at Birmingham Traumatic Brain Injury Care System

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Traumatic Brain Injury Model System operates within the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UAB Spain Rehabilitation Center. During this funding cycle UAB will be completing a research project on-site as well as participating in collaborative research activities with other centers.

The on-site research study involves the evaluation of a training program to improve visual perceptual speed, an important component to safe driving. Visual perceptual speed will be evaluated using an established technique, the Useful Field of View Test (UFOV), followed by random assignment to either a treatment or control condition lasting for 6 weeks. To minimize costs and maximize the generalization of results, the program will be completed at home. Following the treatment/control program, the UFOV will be readministered and the person will also participate in a driving evaluation using a simulator. It is hoped that the intervention program will significantly increase visual perceptual speed among the subjects receiving the treatment as compared to controls. In addition to the intervention study, people with TBI participating in the large database at UAB will be questioned concerning driving activities at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years post injury. This will help us to better understand who returns to driving and in what capacity.

The TBI Model System at UAB will also be participating in dissemination/utilization activities, including: 1) An Internet web site (www.uab.edu/tbi); 2) An e-mail distribution system; 3) TBI Inform information sheets (building on materials already created in previous funding cycles); 4) A TBI newsletter (Brainwaves) created in conjunction with the Alabama Head Injury Foundation and the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services; 5) Expansion of Tip Sheets focusing on basic rehabilitation issues for consumers and professionals; and 6) Conferences, training, and educational events for professionals and consumers.