RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Parkwood Pacing and Planning™ App

The Parkwood Pacing and Planning™ app is designed to help people who have had a mild head injury, also known as a concussion. Many people with concussions experience ongoing symptoms like headaches, tiredness, or problems with memory. The app works by giving users a daily 'point' allowance based on how severe their symptoms are. Users then record their activities, which use up points, helping them to plan and pace themselves throughout the day. This aims to reduce symptoms and support recovery. This study looks to make the app even better and more personalised using information from many users. It's for adults aged 18 and over who have had a concussion and have access to a smartphone or tablet.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Feb 2021

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Acquired Brain Injury

What is this study about?

Many people in the UK experience a mild head injury, often called a concussion. While most people recover well, some can have long-lasting symptoms like bad headaches, extreme tiredness, blurry vision, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can make daily life really tough, affecting work, school, and even family life. It can also be hard to know how much activity is too much – resting too much can sometimes make things worse, but doing too much can bring on symptoms again or make them worse.

That's where the Parkwood Pacing and Planning™ app comes in. Experts have found that learning to carefully plan and pace activities can really help people manage their symptoms and get back to their normal lives. The app gives you a daily 'score' based on how you're feeling. Different activities use up different amounts of your score. This helps you to plan your day, making sure you don't overdo it, but also don't underdo it. It's about finding that balance to help you recover.

This study isn't about giving you a new treatment, but about improving a tool that helps you manage your recovery. The app has already had good feedback, and now researchers want to make it even smarter. By gathering information from many users, they hope to make the app more personal to each person and discover even better ways to support recovery from concussion. This could lead to a more tailored experience for everyone using the app in the future.

Key takeaways

The app helps you manage concussion symptoms like headaches and tiredness.
It uses a point system to help you plan and pace your daily activities.
Participation involves using the app on your own smartphone or tablet.
The study aims to make the app even better and more personalised.
You must be 18 or over and have had a confirmed concussion to join.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. It's important that you have had a mild head injury (concussion) and that a doctor or another qualified health professional confirmed this. We'll also need you to share how the injury happened and confirm your diagnosis.

You'll need to have access to a smartphone or a tablet device, as the app runs on these. Also, to understand and use the app properly, you should be able to read, write, and understand English.

If you haven't had a concussion, are under 18, don't have a smartphone or tablet, or can't read and understand English, then unfortunately this study isn't suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with a concussion by a healthcare professional?
Do you own and use a smartphone or tablet?
Can you read, write, and understand English comfortably?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves using the Parkwood Pacing and Planning™ app on your smartphone or tablet. You'll use the app to track your daily activities and manage your symptoms. The information you put into the app will help researchers understand how to make it better and more personal for everyone. The exact duration of your participation isn't stated, but it would involve regular use of the app over a period, likely for several weeks or months, as you recover. There are no specific visits, extra assessments, or medications involved; it's all about using the app.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is that you'll be using an app designed to help you manage your concussion symptoms and support your recovery more effectively. Your participation will also help researchers improve the app, potentially helping many others with concussions in the future. There are no known physical risks associated with using the app. The main 'risk' might be the time required to regularly use and input information into the app. Remember, you can choose to stop taking part in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your ongoing care.

Locations (1)

Parkwood Institute
Verified postcode
London, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of mild head injury that happens when your head is hit or shaken, causing the brain to move inside the skull. It can lead to various symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or memory problems.

How does the app help me manage my concussion?

The app uses a 'point system' where activities cost points. You get a daily point allowance based on your symptoms, helping you plan your day so you don't overdo it and worsen your symptoms, or underdo it, which can also slow recovery.

Do I need any special equipment?

Yes, you'll need your own smartphone or tablet device to download and use the Parkwood Pacing and Planning™ app.

Will my personal information be kept private?

The study aims to improve the app using data, but researchers will take steps to protect your privacy. This usually means that your personal details will be separated from the information collected by the app.

What if I don't want to use the app anymore?

You are free to stop using the app and withdraw from the study at any time without having to give a reason, and it will not affect your ongoing medical care.

How to find out more

Dalton Wolfe, PhD

dwolfe@uwo.ca 5196854292 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.