Observation of limb movements reduces phantom limb pain in bilateral amputees.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mirror therapy has been demonstrated to reduce phantom limb pain (PLP) experienced by unilateral limb amputees. Research suggests that the visual feedback of observing a limb moving in the mirror is critical for therapeutic efficacy.

Objective

Since mirror therapy is not an option for bilateral lower limb amputees, the purpose of this study was to determine if direct observation of another person's limbs could be used to relieve PLP.

Methods

We randomly assigned 20 bilateral lower limb amputees with PLP to visual observation (n = 11) or mental visualization (n = 9) treatment. Treatment consisted of seven discrete movements which were mimicked by the amputee's phantom limbs moving while visually observing the experimenter's limbs moving, or closing the eyes

SUBMITTER: Tung ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4241790 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature