Nature-based Therapy for Concussion

OG
Overseen ByOwen Griffith, PhD
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The overall goal of this research is to provide pilot data that informs and drives a larger scale research project, incorporating multiple contemporary measurement modalities, to understand the utility and pathological mechanisms by which exposure to nature-based settings may aid in recovery time and symptom relief of individuals suffering from concussion, and decrease their risk of developing Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome (PPCS).

We hypothesize that successful adherence to a nature-based exposure therapy intervention program will decrease recovery time and severity of symptom trajectory of concussion, as measured through multimodal assessments of brain structural and functional integrity.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people who have had a concussion and may also have related brain or lymphatic issues. Participants should be able to join group sessions and follow the study's instructions. Specific inclusion and exclusion details are not provided.

Inclusion Criteria

I am under 18 and can have a parent or guardian with me during the study.
I am able to understand and sign the consent form myself.
I have had a concussion or mild brain injury, not a severe brain injury or coma.
See 5 more

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have any active infections, including dental infections.
I have not taken any anti-inflammatory drugs in the past 24 hours.
I do not have migraines.
See 5 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-3 days
1 visit (in-person)

Nature-based Exposure Therapy

Participants engage in a nature-based exposure therapy intervention for concussion recovery, consisting of 120 minutes per week of nature exposure with guided prompts.

4 weeks
3-7 sessions per week (self-administered)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for recovery status and symptom severity post-intervention using various neuropsychological and physiological assessments.

4 weeks
2 visits (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Nature-based Guided Awareness Group
  • Standard Guided Awareness Group

Trial Overview

The study compares two types of guided awareness therapy: one held in nature-based settings, and another in standard (non-nature) environments, to see if being exposed to nature helps people recover from concussions faster with fewer symptoms.

How Is the Trial Designed?

3

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Standard Guided Awareness GroupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Nature-based Guided Awareness GroupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group III: No Intervention GroupActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Penn State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
380
Recruited
131,000+

Social Sciences Research Institute at Penn State University

Collaborator

Trials
1
Recruited
80+