Using augmented reality mirror therapy for treating complex regional pain syndrome in the upper limb

Benefit of Augmented Reality Mirror Therapy in Addition to Conventional Management in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome of the Upper Extremity: a Single Case Experimental Design (SCED) Study.

This study is testing if using augmented reality mirror therapy along with regular treatment can help people with complex regional pain syndrome in their arms feel better.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 7 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 70 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nīmes (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Nîmes)
• Trial ID: NCT05787119 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of augmented reality mirror therapy (ARMT) combined with conventional management for patients suffering from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) of the upper extremity. The approach utilizes a virtual environment to enhance treatment outcomes, aiming to improve neuroplasticity and alleviate symptoms associated with CRPS. Patients will be evaluated based on the Budapest criteria for CRPS and will undergo ARMT alongside standard therapies. The study seeks to establish the clinical benefits of this novel therapy in a clinical setting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients diagnosed with CRPS of the upper limb for more than three months who are newly treated at the Centre d'Evaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur.

Not a fit: Patients with CRPS secondary to a stroke or those with significant cognitive or visual impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve pain management and functional recovery for patients with CRPS.

How similar studies have performed: While augmented reality therapies have shown promise in other contexts, this specific application for CRPS is novel and has not been previously studied in a clinical setting.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* The patient must have given their free and informed consent and signed the consent form
* The patient must be a member or beneficiary of a health insurance plan
* Patient with CRPS of the upper limb according to the Budapest criteria.
* Patient newly treated at the Centre d'Evaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur of the CHU of Nîmes.
* Patient with a diagnosis of CRPS for more than 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* The subject is participating in a therapeutic study, or is in a period of exclusion determined by a previous study
* The subject unable to express consent
* It is impossible to give the subject informed information
* The patient is under safeguard of justice or state guardianship
* Patient is pregnant, parturient or breastfeeding
* Patient with medically significant visual impairment that is incompatible with the practice of ARMT
* Patient with CRPS secondary to a stroke
* Patient with cognitive disorders (Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale less than 26)
* Patient with Unilateral Spatial Negligence according to the Bell's test
* Patient with arthrodesis of one of the joints of the upper limbs.
* Patient with an unhealed fracture of one of the upper limbs

Where this trial is running

Nîmes

• CHU de Nîmes — Nîmes, France (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Arnaud DUPEYRON — CHU de Nimes
• Study coordinator: Arnaud DUPEYRON

Conditions: Complex Regional Pain Syndromes, Mirror Movement Therapy, Physical Therapy Modalities