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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
Real-time Video Projection in an MRI for Characterization of Neural Correlates Associated with Mirror Therapy for Phantom Limb Pain
Published on: April 20, 2019
Mirror Therapy in Unilateral Amputee Patients With Phantom Limb Pain
Ana M Díaz-González1, Adelaida Zabalegui2, Luis A Moreno-Cuartas3
1Department of Cardio-Vascular Surgery, Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Abstract:
Up to 90% of amputee patients have phantom limb pain (PLP), which is difficult to treat. The aim of this study was to assess the medium and long-term efficacy of mirror therapy (MT) in unilateral amputee adults with PLP.
Methods:
We carried out an uncontrolled prospective longitudinal study. Twelve consecutive adult subjects with upper or lower limb amputation and PLP were selected. Weekly sessions of nurse-guided, in-person MT training lasting 1.5 h were implemented for six months. In parallel, self-administered home sessions were added 20 min per day, five days per week for 12 months. At baseline, and at three, six, and 12 months the following variables were analyzed: subjects' clinical characteristics, pain intensity (visual analog scale), disability (Oswestry Disability Index), Quality of Life (QoL SF-36), impression of patient's global improvement (Patient Global Impression scale, PGI-I), and hours of MT in consultation and at home.
Results:
Statistically significant differences in mean pain intensity scores were found (p < .001) between baseline, and measurements at three, six, and 12 months. Mean disability scores showed statistically significant improvement (p < .001) at at three months. QoL, and mean baseline scores in Physical Function (p < .002) and Body Pain (p < .001) dimensions improved significantly. Patient global impression scores were statistically significant.
Conclusions:
These findings support the efficacy the medium and long term, of MT, in unilateral amputee adults, with PLP, through 12-month follow-up.
