Clinical feasibility and preliminary outcomes of a novel mixed reality system to manage phantom pain: a pilot study

Thiru M Annaswamy, Kanchan Bahirat, Gargi Raval, Yu Yen Chung, Tri Pham, Balakrishnan Prabhakaran, Thiru M Annaswamy, Kanchan Bahirat, Gargi Raval, Yu Yen Chung, Tri Pham, Balakrishnan Prabhakaran

Abstract

Background: To assess the clinical feasibility of a virtual mirror therapy system in a pilot sample of patients with phantom pain.

Methods: Our Mixed reality system for Managing Phantom Pain (Mr. MAPP) mirrors the preserved limb to visualize the amputated limb virtually and perform exercises. Seven patients with limb loss and phantom pain agreed to participate and received the system for 1-month home use. Outcome measures were collected at baseline and 1 month.

Results: Four (of seven recruited) participants completed the study, which was temporarily suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions. At 1 month, in-game data showed a positive trend, but pain scores showed no clear trends. Functioning scores improved for 1 participant.

Conclusions: Mr. MAPP is feasible and has the potential to improve pain and function in patients with phantom pain.

Trial registration: Clinical Trials Registration, NCT04529083.

Keywords: Augmented reality; Exercise therapy; Phantom limb pain; Self-management.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

© 2022. The Author(s).

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Pipeline of the Mr. MAPP framework [28]
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Analysis of time at which a certain game is played for a given day during the pilot study for participant #4
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Analysis of time at which a certain game is played for a given day during the pilot study for participant #6
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Analysis of scores over the study duration (participant #4 is labeled in solid green squares, and participant #6 is labeled in solid red circles) for tandem coordinated movement exergame
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Analysis of scores over the study duration (participant #4 is labeled in solid green squares, and participant #6 is labeled in solid red circles) for ankle dorsiflexion exergame
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Effect of session duration on the performance for knee flexion and extension exergame
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Effect of session duration on the performance for ankle dorsiflexion exergame

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Source: PubMed

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