Combining graded pain exposure and motor imagery for treating complex regional pain syndrome type 1

A Feasibility Study of a Combination of Graded Pain Exposure and Graded Motor Imagery in People With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1

Not applicable Interventional University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia · NCT05998889

This study is testing if combining two therapies, Graded Pain Exposure and Graded Motor Imagery, can help people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 feel better compared to just using Graded Motor Imagery alone.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment26 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Vic - Central University of Catalonia Academic / other
Locations1 site (Mataró, Barcelona)
Trial IDNCT05998889 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the feasibility of combining Graded Pain Exposure (GPE) and Graded Motor Imagery (GMI) therapies for individuals with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 (CRPS I). The aim is to assess the efficacy and safety of this combined approach compared to GMI alone, focusing on the severity of the disease as the primary outcome. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group receiving both therapies or the control group receiving only GMI. The study will be conducted in a single-blind manner, ensuring that evaluators are unaware of group assignments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with CRPS I who can understand Spanish or Catalan.

Not a fit: Patients with psychological or psychiatric illnesses or those who have undergone recent invasive treatments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved pain management and functional outcomes for patients with CRPS I.

How similar studies have performed: While there is low-quality evidence supporting rehabilitation in CRPS, similar approaches in other chronic pain conditions have shown promising outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* No difficulties understanding Spanish or Catalan.
* Diagnosed according to Budapest criteria.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of psychological or psychiatric illness
* Having received any major invasive treatment (e.g: Spinal cord Implants or sympathectomy of the affected extremity).
* Having received any minor invasive treatment (e.g: Nerves block) in the last three months.
* Having any neurosensorial difficulty that could compromise the execution of the therapy proposed.

Where this trial is running

Mataró, Barcelona

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Complex Regional Pain Syndrome IComplex Regional Pain SyndromePhysiotherapyPain ManagementExposure TherapyEfficacySafety
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.