BEST Research

BEST is excited to share information regarding research studies conducted that included one or more of the apps in the BEST Suite. Here we include studies conducted at Coastline College, Dominican University, and through a grant received from the Infinite Hero Foundation.

Hypotheses

1. Veterans with TBI and/or PTSD can effectively learn to use smartphoneapps.
2. Smart phone apps will be effective in improving functional outcomes

Results

The results indicated that all participants received proficiency scores of 70% or higher on the post-assessment evaluation, which indicates that they were able to successfully learn how to use their chosen app(s).

In terms of the efficacy of the Smart Device apps on improving functional outcomes, the results suggested that participants experienced a significant increase in overall well being and life satisfaction. However, there was a significant increase in interference in daily/valued activities. Furthermore, there were significant decreases in cognitive and mental health functioning.

• Significant Reduction in the average level of fatigue was indicated among two of the three categories of the MFIS (physical at .02, cognitive at .001) but not so much psychosocial.
• PMD app was more successful in increasing satisfaction in the task than performance based off the COPM. This indicates an increase in participant’s self rated ability to complete their chosen task with more satisfaction.

Results

The results suggest that individuals living with an acquired brain injury will vary in their ability to learn how to use the RMG App. Limitations of the current study include a small sample size. Future research should comprise a larger selection of participants and include a control group to evaluate the effectiveness of video tutorial training on participants’ learning of the RMG App.

The post-test is yet another limitation as it is not an accurate assessment of participants’ learning. In future studies, reports generated from the app should be revised to include all information assessed for in the post-test. Findings yielded from the current pilot study are intended to inform future studies that assess learning, utilization, and implementation of the RMG App in the daily lives of individuals with brain injury.

Results

The current study sought to build on a previous pilot research demonstrating the functional and cognitive ability of individuals with brain injury to learn how to use the MMF App.11  Our initial research found post-test evaluation rates for the following in total proficiency: Tier 1, 71%; Tier 2, 100%; Tier 3, 86%; Tier 4, 100%. Similarly, our current research found the following: Tier 1, 74%; Tier 2, 78%; Tier 3, 86%; Tier 4, 100%.

Our results indicate that individuals with differing levels of brain injury demonstrate the capacity to learn to use, and implement the MMF App in recognizing and managing cognitive fatigue. Moreover, our results indicate that learning performance decreases as more complex tasks within the app are demanded. For example, setting up basic settings and routine tasks appears to be easier than planning an entire day. Interestingly, the current research elucidates the ability of some individuals to learn how to navigate the app, even in the absence of training; a finding not previously examined. Although this may simply be the result of advanced technology skills, it is worth noting the MMF App’s relative ease of use.

Results

Of the four students selected, the Tier 4 and the Tier 2 students completed the post-test with 100% accuracy. One student (Tier 3) was able to complete 100% of the first set of tasks, before her performance dropped to 88% and 71% on the second and third set, respectively. The Tier 1 student accurately performed 100% of the first set of tasks. His performance dropped to 55% and 57% on the second and third set, respectively.