Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury System (NNJTBIS)

Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury System (NNJTBIS) conducts research and knowledge translation activities with the goal of improving the quality of life of individuals with TBI. NNJTBIS objectives include: (1) enrolling at least 35 participants per year into the National TBI database, following participants 1-, 2- and 5-years post-injury and beyond, meeting or exceeding established benchmarks; (2) conducting an innovative site-specific randomized clinical trial evaluating the effects of a combination of an optimized version of the KF modified Story Memory Technique (KF-mSMTTM) and aerobic cycling exercise training to maximize improvements in new learning and memory abilities, elucidating its neural underpinnings, and improving everyday life in persons with moderate-to-severe TBI; and (3) collaborating on at least two modular studies and leading a collaborative modular project utilizing a mixed methods approach to move beyond identifying the existence of health disparities in TBI rehabilitation by examining the ways in which the social determinants of health are associated with the persistence of those disparities. Project outputs include broad dissemination of results via the project website, social media, consumer and professional publications, presentations, and more, and coordinating with the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center for collaborative, streamlined, and far-reaching dissemination. TBI Consumer participation is quintessential to the success of the NNJTBIS and a diversity, equity and inclusion committee ensures maximal diversity within research and dissemination activities.