The impact of mirror therapy on body schema perception in patients with complex regional pain syndrome after distal radius fractures

Abstract

Introduction: Mirror therapy requires a minimum of equipment, is relatively simple to perform and effective for various pathological conditions. The effect of mirror therapy on body schema disturbances registered in complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I) patients has not yet been determined. Methods: The study is based on the analysis of the treatment results of 30 patients with CRPS I, developed as a result of the distal radius fractures, with help of mirror therapy together with exercise therapy and medications. The control group consisted of 20 patients with CRPS I developed as a result of the distal radius fractures treated only with exercise therapy and medications. We evaluated the results before the treatment, after 3days and after 6weeks of treatment according to The Bath CRPS Body Perception Disturbance Scale. Results: A total of 83.33% patients experienced the positive effect of mirror therapy on the perception of the ‘body schema’ after 6weeks of treatment, and 35% underwent standard treatment without mirror therapy. The positive effect was statistically significant for the first five points of the Bath scale after 6weeks of treatment compared to the control group. Improvements observed in some patients after 3days of treatment were less pronounced and statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Mirror therapy can improve the perception of the body schema as an element of integrated treatment of CRPS I developed after fractures of the distal radius less than 3years duration.