Reducing phantom limb pain using phantom motor execution enabled by augmented and virtual reality: participants’ perspectives on an innovative treatment.

AbstractPurposeMaterial and MethodsResultsConclusion\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONPhantom limb pain (PLP) is a condition that greatly diminishes quality of life. Phantom motor execution (PME), enabled by myoelectric pattern recognition combined with virtual and augmented reality, is a novel treatment for PLP. Here we, aimed to describe patients’ experiences of this treatment.Qualitative, using semi-structured interviews one month after completed PME treatment. Twenty-one Swedish and Dutch patients (mean age 57, 16 males, 16 lower limb amputations) participated. The analysis followed the framework approach.The main themes were 1) treatment effects on the perception of the phantom limb, 2) living with PLP before and after treatment, and 3) facilitators and barriers to treatment. Most participants learned to control their phantom limb, perceived it more positively and as more complete. This control over the phantom limb became a tool for managing PLP. Most participants’ outlook on life and energy levels improved after treatment. Being mentally focused during treatment was important. Therapists were pivotal to the success of the treatment.Controlling the phantom limb improved their perception of it and pain management, self-agency, and quality of life. The therapists’ role was invaluable. We suggest training for patients in phantom limb control before and after amputation.Phantom limb pain is a common and chronic problem after amputation. When informing patients about the phantom limb phenomenon it is important to use positive wording and to acknowledge its existence as normal.Controlling the phantom limb is a key for the success of the phantom motor execution (PME) treatment and should therefore receive clinicians’ attention from the early stages after surgery and onwards.The role of the therapist is invaluable in teaching, supporting and coaching patients receiving PME treatment.In order to facilitate successful outcome of the PME treatment it is important to consider and reduce potential barriers to patient adherence to the treatment.Phantom limb pain is a common and chronic problem after amputation. When informing patients about the phantom limb phenomenon it is important to use positive wording and to acknowledge its existence as normal.Controlling the phantom limb is a key for the success of the phantom motor execution (PME) treatment and should therefore receive clinicians’ attention from the early stages after surgery and onwards.The role of the therapist is invaluable in teaching, supporting and coaching patients receiving PME treatment.In order to facilitate successful outcome of the PME treatment it is important to consider and reduce potential barriers to patient adherence to the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]