title: Preliminary framework for Familiar Auditory Sensory Training (FAST) provided during coma recovery.
abstract: Since there remains a need to examine the nature of the neural effect and therapeutic efficacy/effectiveness of sensory stimulation provided to persons in states of seriously impaired consciousness, a passive sensory stimulation intervention, referred to as the Familiar Auditory Sensory Training (FAST) protocol, was developed for examination in an ongoing, double-blind, randomized clinical trial (RCT). The FAST protocol is described in this article according to the preliminary framework, which is a synthesis of knowledge regarding principles of plasticity and capabilities of the human brain to automatically and covertly process sensory input. Feasibility issues considered during the development of the intervention are also described. To enable replication of this intervention, we describe procedures to create the intervention and lessons learned regarding the creation process. The potential effect of the intervention is illustrated using functional brain imaging of nondisabled subjects. This illustration also demonstrates the relevance of the rationale for designing the FAST protocol. To put the intervention within the context of the scientific development process, the article culminates with a description of the study design for the ongoing RCT examining the efficacy of the FAST protocol.
authors: Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Management of Complex Chronic Care, Center of Excellence, and Research Service, Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital, Hines, IL 60141, USA. Theresa.Pape@va.gov
authors: Theresa Louise-Bender
authors: TL
authors: Pape
authors: Joshua M
authors: JM
authors: Rosenow
authors: Brett
authors: B
authors: Harton
authors: Vijaya
authors: V
authors: Patil
authors: Ann
authors: A
authors: Guernon
authors: Todd
authors: T
authors: Parrish
authors: Kathleen
authors: K
authors: Froehlich
authors: Catherine
authors: C
authors: Burress
authors: Shane
authors: S
authors: McNamee
authors: Amy A
authors: AA
authors: Herrold
authors: Bessie
authors: B
authors: Weiss
authors: Xue
authors: X
authors: Wang
mesh_terms: D000161:Acoustic Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D003128:Coma / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D020127:Recovery of Function; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs