NCT07569354 · University of Maryland, Baltimore
Recovery Among Older Adults Following Mild TBI
What this study is about
Among fall related injuries in older adults, head injuries are the most common, yet almost nothing is known about recovery from head injury, also known as traumatic brain injury or TBI, in this population.
View original scientific description
Among fall related injuries in older adults, head injuries are the most common, yet almost nothing is known about recovery from head injury, also known as traumatic brain injury or TBI, in this population. The RETRO-TBI study is a prospective cohort study of 250 adults aged 65 and older with mild TBI to evaluate recovery in cognitive, physical and psychological function and sleep quality at four timepoints (2 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months) over the year following injury and identify factors associated with recovery trajectories. The potential impact of this work is that it will generate new knowledge that will guide targeted treatment efforts and inform future development of strategies to optimize recovery following this common fall-related injury among older adults.
Primary outcome measures
Physical function
Time frame: 2 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months
Short Physical Performance Battery total score. Range 0-12, Higher scores indicating better lower extremity function
Cognition
Time frame: 2 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months
Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status total scaled score. The scaled score is age adjusted with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15. Scores below 100 indicate poorer cognitive function relative to same-age peers.
Sleep quality
Time frame: 2 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months
Sleep duration in hours obtained from averaging values from participant's 1-week sleep diary. Healthy sleep duration for older adults ranges between 7-8 hours per night.
Psychological function
Time frame: 2 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months
Geriatric depression scale, 15-item version. Range 0-15 with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms of depression.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Aged 65 years or older
- Treated for mild TBI (defined below) at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center (STC) or at one of six University of Maryland Affiliated Hospitals within 72 hours of injury
- Mild TBI was defined as:
- Traumatically induced physiological disruption of brain function, as manifested by at least one of the following 1) loss of consciousness ≤30 minutes, post-traumatic amnesia \<24 hours, observed or self-reported transient confusion, disorientation, or impaired consciousness, or neurologic deficit as defined by a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 13-14 on admission.
- GCS of 15 with no other evidence of mild TBI was also accepted with positive computed tomography image.
Exclusion criteria
- Injury to any other body region resulting in an abbreviated injury scale (AIS) score \>2
- Anticipation that patient would not be ambulatory at 2-weeks post-injury
- History of dementia as determined by patient/proxy report or medical history
- Non-ambulatory pre-injury
- No available proxy
- Not English speaking
- Live \>55 miles from the STC.
Where
- Baltimore, Maryland
Collaborators
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 6, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations