Home-based rehabilitation for phantom limb pain in veterans with amputations
Home-based Rehabilitation Intervention for Phantom Limb Pain in Veterans With Lower Limb Amputations
This study is testing a mobile app that helps veterans with amputations manage their phantom limb pain through home-based exercises and techniques.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT06106984 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to address phantom limb pain (PLP) experienced by veterans with lower limb amputations through a home-based intervention using a mobile app for graded motor imagery (GMI). The study will refine the app and pilot test its feasibility and acceptability among veterans suffering from moderate to severe PLP. Participants will engage in a series of sessions using the app, which incorporates techniques like limb laterality training, motor imagery, and mirror therapy. The goal is to develop effective non-drug treatment options for PLP that can enhance the quality of life for veterans.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are military veterans who are at least 18 years old, have undergone a unilateral below-knee amputation over a year ago, and experience moderate to severe phantom limb pain.
Not a fit: Patients with unstable medical conditions, severe mental illness, or other neuropathic pain conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce phantom limb pain and improve daily functioning for veterans with amputations.
How similar studies have performed: While there are limited studies specifically on graded motor imagery for phantom limb pain, similar non-drug interventions have shown promise in managing chronic pain conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Must be a military Veteran * At least 18 years old; * \>1 year since unilateral below knee amputation; * Moderate or severe (NRS score 4 on a 0-10 scale) PLP; * Stable medications over the past 2 weeks; * Willing and able to give informed consent; and * Able to participate in the telehealth study activities with a personal device. Exclusion Criteria: * Unstable medical conditions (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, heart failure exacerbation); * Unstable mental illness or substance use disorder (e.g., active suicidality or psychosis); and * Unable to give informed consent due to a cognitive impairment. * Fibromyalgia or complex regional pain syndrome-like symptoms
Where this trial is running
Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN — Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tonya L Rich, PhD MA BS — Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN
- Study coordinator: Tonya L Rich, PhD MA BS
- Email: Tonya.Rich@va.gov
- Phone: (612) 467-5463
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.