The University of Colorado Anschutz Marcus Institute for Brain Health (MIBH) is participating in a national clinical trial evaluating a structured, interdisciplinary rehabilitation program for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and co-occurring psychological health conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety.
The study, known as the Veteran’s Interdisciplinary Care for TBI and co-Occurring disorders Rehabilitation Trial (VICTORY-RCT), is a five-site clinical trial sponsored by Avalon Action Alliance. It is designed to test whether a TBI specialized interdisciplinary rehabilitation model improves outcomes for veterans and first responders living with persistent effects of traumatic brain injury.
As a participating site, MIBH will contribute clinical expertise and research leadership to this multi-center effort to advance evidence-based care for traumatic brain injury rehabilitation.
“This trial brings together leading programs across the country to evaluate a model of care that has the potential to meaningfully improve outcomes for individuals living with the persistent effects of traumatic brain injury,” said Jeffrey R. Hebert, PhD, PT, director of research at MIBH. “By aligning expertise across institutions, we have an opportunity to help redefine how this complex condition is treated and managed long term.”
At MIBH, leadership emphasized that participation in the trial reflects the institute’s commitment to advancing evidence-based rehabilitation for complex brain injury and co-occurring conditions.
“As a leader in traumatic brain injury care and research, MIBH is honored to be a lead site for the VICTORY study, which addresses a critically important and historically understudied area of TBI research.,” said said Kathleen Flarity, PhD, DNP, FAEN, FAAN, executive director of MIBH. “This landmark study has profound implications for public health, occupational health, and operational readiness. As one of the most rigorous rehabilitation trials ever conducted in this space, it has the potential to shape future standards of care for veterans, first responders and others living with the lasting effects of TBI. We are proud to help advance innovative, evidence-based treatments that restore function, improve quality of life and provide life-restoring care to those who have sacrificed so much in service to others.”
Study will evaluate an intensive rehabilitation model
The Medical College of Wisconsin serves as the coordinating center for the study. Avalon Action Alliance awarded MCW a $7.7 million clinical trial agreement to support the four-year study.
The VICTORY-RCT study will evaluate a three-week intensive outpatient rehabilitation program across five Avalon TBI Center clinical sites:
- Medical College of Wisconsin – BRAVE (Building Resilience through Action in Veterans and First Responders) Program
- University of Colorado Anschutz – Marcus Institute for Brain Health
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – THRIVE Program
- University of Florida Health Jacksonville – Leon L. Haley Jr., MD, Brain Wellness Program
- Jefferson Health – MossRehab Institute for Brain Health
Research aims to improve long-term care for people with TBI
Traumatic brain injury remains a leading cause of long-term neurological and functional impairment, affecting millions worldwide, including more than 500,000 U.S. veterans since 2000. Despite increased recognition, access to coordinated, evidence-based rehabilitation remains limited.
Participating programs integrate neurology, physical therapy, speech and language pathology, psychology and psychotherapy to treat persistent symptoms such as dizziness, memory impairment and difficulties with attention and concentration.
Care is individualized based on each participant’s needs.
Although the study focuses on veterans and first responders, researchers expect findings to inform treatment approaches for broader civilian populations affected by traumatic brain injury, including concussion.
“This is a highly rigorous effort to evaluate a rehabilitation model that could significantly improve quality of life for individuals living with the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury,” said Michael McCrea, PhD, ABPP, professor and vice chair of research in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin. “We are proud to partner with Avalon Action Alliance and our collaborating institutions to advance care for those injured in service, as well as for individuals worldwide affected by brain injury.”
“Avalon was created to ensure veterans and first responders can access the right care at the right time,” said Joe Brennan, CEO of Avalon Action Alliance. “This study represents an important step toward strengthening the evidence base for comprehensive rehabilitation and improving access to effective, coordinated care.”
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