The home-based mirror therapy in the reduction of phantom limb pain in unilateral below-knee amputees

Abstract

Objectives: Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a common issue for amputees, leading to various long-term challenges. Mirror therapy, a low-risk and cost-effective treatment, can be done at home. This study evaluates the effect of home-based mirror therapy on PLP in unilateral below-knee amputees. Materials and Methods: The study included 16 male participants, aged 18 and above. They were randomly assigned to either the mirror therapy group the control group (prosthesis use). The mirror therapy group received a single training session (15-30 min). Then, they did exercises at home for at least 15 min a day for four weeks. They also had to use their prosthesis for at least 3 h daily. Weekly phone or online check-ins recorded pain levels. Pain was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: Participants had a mean age of 45.12 years, and initial VAS pain scores ranged from 3 to 10. After 4 weeks, the mirror therapy group showed 37.5 reduction in pain (P < 0.05). The control group did not experience a significant pain change (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Mirror therapy is a promising option for managing PLP. It supports the benefits of telehealth and home-based exercises, reducing the need for in-person consultations.