The TBI Model System at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute will conduct three research projects that reflect our commitment to meeting the needs of the individual at all levels of severity and recovery. One project investigates the relationship between neurobehavioral functioning and fMRI cerebral activation in persons with minimally conscious state (MCS), and the contribution of fMRI to the prediction of neurobehavioral and functional recovery one year after injury. The second project is a randomized controlled trial of holistic-comprehensive cognitive rehabilitation compared with conventional rehabilitation. This study, and our third qualitative research study, will also investigate factors that contribute to subjective well-being and quality of life after TBI rehabilitation. Dissemination and community outreach activities of the New Jersey TBI Model System will be conducted through collaboration with the state Division of Disability Services, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey.

• Investigating the Utility of Functional MRI in Assessing Cognition, Predicting Outcome and Planning Treatment in Minimally Conscious Patients.
  This study investigates the relationship between neurobehavioral functioning and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) cerebral activation in persons with minimally conscious state (MCS), and the contribution of fMRI to the prediction of neurobehavioral and functional recovery one year after injury.
  
  
• A Prospective Controlled Study of Integrated Cognitive - Psychosocial Rehabilitation with 'Standard' Neurorehabilitation for Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury.
  The study will evaluate the effectiveness of a Comprehensive-Integrated program of cognitive and psychosocial interventions compared with a Standard neurorehabilitation intervention in a prospective controlled clinical trial, on cognitive recovery, community integration, and social participation for persons with TBI. Click here to find out more about participating in this study.
  
  
• What Does it Take to Live a Full, and Fulfilling, Life? Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Quality of Life in Persons with TBI.
  Using various outcome meaures including surveys, questionairres and in-depth interviews, this study will investigate factors that contribute to subjective well-being and satisfaction with quality of life following TBI. Click here to find out more about participating in this study.

In addition, the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute currently participates in a number of collaborative research projects as part of the TBI Model Systems.

• Feasibility and utility of a brief, in-patient neuropsychologocal battery for predicting rehabilitation outcomes.
  
• Development and psychometric evaluation of measures of community participation after TBI.
  
• Vocational interventions for TBI: Characterizing and testing the efficacy of contextual and non-contextual treatments.
  
• Impact of assistive techology for cognitive impairments on return to school or work after TBI.
  
• Value of anosomia and anatomic lesion site in the prediction of neuropsychological and functionaloutcomes druing acute rehabilitation for TBI.
  
• Relationship of objective neuropsychological measures and subjective neurocognitive symptoms to satisfaction with life one year after TBI.