Advancements in Cognitive Rehabilitation Show Faster Gains in Active Duty Military
New research reveals that strategic brain training protocols can accelerate cognitive recovery in active military personnel with brain injuries and PTSD, offering faster and more effective rehabilitation methods.
Recent research from the Center for BrainHealth at UT Dallas, in collaboration with the Camp Pendleton Intrepid Center, highlights significant progress in cognitive rehabilitation protocols for active-duty service members (ADSMs) suffering from mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study, published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, involved 148 military personnel and compared two distinct training methods: the strategic SMART protocol and the more traditional SCORE approach.
The SMART method, which emphasizes a top-down approach, involves teaching techniques that enhance self-regulation, strategic thinking, and cognitive flexibility. This proprietary protocol aims to optimize brain function, boost mental energy, and foster innovation through science-backed strategies. Conversely, SCORE adopts a bottom-up approach, focusing on foundational skills like attention, memory, and planning through computer-assisted training programs.
Both groups demonstrated substantial cognitive improvements; however, SMART achieved these gains in approximately one-third of the time required by SCORE. This indicates that SMART’s top-down methodology may facilitate quicker cognitive recovery, capable of applying skills to more complex and real-world challenges.
According to lead researcher Erin Venza, MS, CCC-SLP, SMART brain training strengthens executive control networks, which she describes as the brain's CEO, empowering individuals in problem-solving and creative thinking. Jennifer Zientz, MS, CCC-SLP, emphasizes the importance of rapid cognitive recovery for military readiness, noting that such training can significantly decrease downtime, enhancing mission preparedness and overall well-being.
The Center for BrainHealth’s extensive military training program over the past 15 years has supported the development of these protocols, underlining their potential to improve cognitive resilience among service members. These findings reinforce the value of strategic brain training as an effective tool for accelerating recovery and supporting soldiers facing the neurological impacts of combat-related injuries.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-cognitive-gains-members.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Illinois Confirms Its First Human West Nile Virus Case of the Year
Illinois reports its first human case of West Nile virus this year, marking the earliest detection since 2016. Health officials urge residents to take precautions against mosquito bites to reduce infection risk.
Human-specific genes linked to intelligence may also contribute to cancer development
Research reveals that human-specific genes responsible for our advanced cognition may also be exploited by cancer to drive tumor growth. Discover how these genes, emerging from evolutionary processes, present both opportunities and vulnerabilities in medical science.
Intermittent Access to GLP-1 Medications Still Leads to Significant Weight Loss
A new study shows that even with interruptions in GLP-1 medication access, patients can achieve notable weight loss through combined lifestyle and medical interventions, highlighting the importance of behavioral support in weight management.
Enhancing Cellular Recycling to Combat Neurodegenerative Diseases
Stanford scientists identify a target to improve lysosomal function and develop potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases by boosting cellular waste management systems.