Comparative Effects of Mirror Therapy and Standard Physiotherapy in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome ((CRPS))

University of Lahore

Status: Completed

Conditions: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Treatments: Other: Routine Physical Therapy; Other: Mirror Therapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07332884

[e-mail]

Details and patient eligibility

About

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition characterized by persistent pain, sensory disturbances, motor dysfunction, and functional impairment, often following trauma or surgery. Conventional physical therapy is commonly used in the management of CRPS; however, treatment outcomes are often variable and incomplete. Mirror therapy is a non-invasive rehabilitation technique that uses visual feedback to influence cortical reorganization and may help reduce pain and improve motor function in patients with CRPS.

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of mirror therapy with routine physical therapy in patients diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Eligible participants will be allocated into two groups. One group will receive mirror therapy in addition to standard rehabilitation exercises, while the control group will receive routine physical therapy alone. Both interventions will be delivered over a defined treatment period under supervised conditions.

Primary outcomes will include changes in pain intensity, while secondary outcomes will assess functional ability, range of motion, and overall limb use. Outcomes will be measured at baseline and after completion of the intervention period. This study aims to determine whether mirror therapy provides additional benefits over routine physical therapy in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Full description

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a disabling chronic pain condition that may develop after injury, surgery, or immobilization and is associated with disproportionate pain, sensory abnormalities, motor dysfunction, and reduced use of the affected limb. These impairments significantly affect daily activities and quality of life. Although routine physical therapy remains a cornerstone of CRPS management, optimal rehabilitation strategies continue to be explored.

Mirror therapy is a neurorehabilitation technique that provides visual feedback of the unaffected limb to create the illusion of normal movement in the affected limb. This approach is believed to modulate central nervous system processing, reduce maladaptive cortical reorganization, and improve motor control. Previous studies have suggested potential benefits of mirror therapy in chronic pain conditions; however, evidence comparing mirror therapy with routine physical therapy in CRPS remains limited.

This study is designed to evaluate and compare the effects of mirror therapy and routine physical therapy on pain and functional outcomes in patients diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Participants will be assigned to one of two intervention groups. The experimental group will receive mirror therapy sessions alongside conventional rehabilitation exercises, while the control group will receive routine physical therapy based on standard clinical practice. Interventions will be administered by qualified physical therapists according to a predefined treatment protocol.

Outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of the intervention period using standardized and validated measures. The study will assess changes in pain intensity, functional performance, and limb use to determine the comparative effectiveness of mirror therapy versus routine physical therapy. Findings from this study may contribute to evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Enrollment: 52 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 40 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria

• Age 40-65 years
• Both genders
• Hemiplegic patients with subacute stage
• Patients who developed CRPS of the hand due to stroke
• Patients with a diagnosis of CRPS 1

Exclusion criteria Cognitive disorders and perceptual disorders

• Comorbid conditions (e.g., decompensated heart failure, chronic renal insufficiency
• Hand arthritis
• Arterial/venous injuries and/ or undergoing arterial revascularization

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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52 participants in 2 patient groups

Mirror Therapy Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this arm will receive mirror therapy, a rehabilitation technique where movements of the unaffected limb are reflected in a mirror to create a visual illusion that the affected limb is moving normally. Therapy sessions will be conducted \[specify frequency, e.g., 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week\] for \[specify duration, e.g., 4 weeks\].

Treatment:

Other: Mirror Therapy

Routine Physical Therapy Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this arm will receive standard physical therapy for CRPS, including exercises, stretching, and functional activities aimed at improving mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing limb function. Sessions will be conducted \[specify frequency, e.g., 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week\] for \[specify duration, e.g., 4 weeks\].

Treatment:

Other: Routine Physical Therapy