Efficacy of motor imagery through mirror visual feedback therapy in complex regional pain syndrome: A comparative study

Abstract

Background: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is characterized by disabling pain, swelling, vasomotor instability, sudomotor abnormality, and impairment of motor function. An integrated multimodal multidisciplinary treatment approach is recommended to treat CRPS including pharmacological treatment, interventional therapy, and physiotherapeutic management. As imaging studies indicate that CRPS is associated with manifestation of changes in brain, mirror visual feedback (MVF) therapy may also have effect in neuromodulation and cortical reorganization. Aims and Objectives: The aim and objective of this study are to compare the effectiveness of MVF therapy with other conventional treatment. Subjects and Methods: A total 30 patients were selected and randomly allocated into three groups. Group C was treated with pharmacological management with contrast bath, Group E was additionally treated with exercises, and Group M was additionally treated with MVF therapy. Prognosis of the patients was documented on the basis of pain at rest, on movement, and swelling. Statistical Analysis Used: Two-way (3 × 4) ANOVA test. Results: Patients with CRPS were benefited by pharmacological therapy, physical exercises, and mirror therapy as pain in rest and on movement improved over time. However, patients, additionally treated with mirror therapy, improved to a greater extent when compared to the other groups. Conclusion: MVF therapy has been established as a low-cost treatment technique for CRPS along with other conventional treatments.