Feasibility of Using a Mobile App Supported Executive Function Intervention in Military Service Members and Veterans with mTBI and Co-Occurring Psychological Conditions

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Jan 30;20(3):2457. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20032457.

Abstract

This pilot study assessed the feasibility of using SwapMyMood, a smartphone application supporting evidence-based strategies for emotion regulation and problem-solving as a supplement to conventional care for military service members and veterans (SM/Vs) experiencing chronic symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and co-occurring psychological conditions. Eight military SM/Vs were recruited from an intensive outpatient program. Participants were block randomized to an experimental group (conventional care plus use of the SwapMyMood app) or a conventional care only group for six weeks. Conventional care included instruction on problem-solving and emotion regulation strategies using traditional paper manuals and protocols. Effects on the knowledge and use of strategies and related goal attainment were measured. Patient-reported outcomes were measured via several validated problem-solving and emotion regulation scales. No differences were found between groups in goal attainment, global executive function, problem-solving, emotion regulation, and knowledge of how to use the problem-solving and emotion regulation strategies targeted. Experimental group participants rated the application positively, demonstrating feasibility of integration of the app into clinical care. The implementation of SwapMyMood is feasible in a clinical setting. SwapMyMood may be a clinically effective supplemental tool for supporting executive function in SM/Vs with mTBI and co-occurring psychological conditions.

Keywords: brain injuries; concussion; emotional regulation; executive function; military personnel; problem solving; rehabilitation; smartphone; technology; telehealth.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brain Concussion* / therapy
  • Executive Function
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Humans
  • Military Personnel* / psychology
  • Mobile Applications*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / psychology
  • Veterans* / psychology

Grants and funding

Development and testing of SwapMyMood was supported by the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Community Living, Health and Function (LiveWell RERC) funded by a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) in the United States Department of Health and Human Services (grant no. 90RE5028). The opinions contained in this document are those of the grantee and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or NIDILRR.