Mirror visual feedback as therapeutic modality in unilateral upper extremity complex regional pain syndrome type I: randomized controlled trial.
Stanislav Machač, Ludmila Chasáková, Soroush Kakawand and 5 others
PMID 38197628WHAT IT FOUND
Six weeks of daily mirror therapy reduced pain and improved hand function and quality of life in adults with complex regional pain syndrome type I.
The effect was linked to the number of days the exercises were performed, and gains persisted at 30-day follow-up.
Key findings
01Mirror therapy significantly reduced pain at rest and during movement, with the number of days of intervention being a key predictor of pain relief.
02Participants showed significant improvements in dorsal wrist flexion, grip strength, and quality of life after the six-week intervention.
03Pain reduction was maintained at a 30-day follow-up telephone interview, and no side effects were reported.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study had a relatively small sample size of 28 participants. Outcome assessors were not blinded to the treatment status, which could introduce bias. The intervention was home-based, so researchers could not fully monitor adherence or the exact quality of the exercises performed. The randomization method was not a formal list-based process but relied on a blinded researcher balancing age and gender.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was supported by the Movement without help Foundation.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume mirror therapy is a standalone cure or that it works equally well for all patients. The study showed that patients with chronic CRPS (duration over 12 months) had smaller improvements in quality of life compared to those with recent onset, and the home-based nature of the trial means strict adherence is necessary for the observed benefits.