TITAN Trial: Reducing Phantom Limb Pain in People with Amputations

Launched by NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH AUSTRALIA · Dec 7, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The TITAN Trial is studying ways to reduce phantom limb pain in people who have had amputations. Phantom limb pain is when individuals feel pain in a limb that is no longer there. This trial compares two different rehabilitation programs to see which one works better at relieving this type of pain. One group will participate in a progressive rehabilitation program that includes education about pain, sensory training, and techniques like mirror therapy. The other group will use stimulation devices that deliver electrical signals to help manage pain. Both programs will take place through telehealth sessions, which means participants can join from home.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be aged 65 to 74, have experienced phantom limb pain for at least three months, and have had pain in the past week. They should also be able to access the internet and be comfortable using smart devices. However, people with certain conditions, like bilateral amputations or major cognitive issues, cannot participate. Throughout the trial, participants will have their pain levels checked at different times to see how effective the treatments are. This research aims to find better ways to help those suffering from phantom limb pain and improve their quality of life.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Experiencing phantom limb pain for at least three months.
• • Report at least one episode of phantom limb pain in the previous week.
• • Report at least 4 points in pain intensity over the previous 7 days, assessed using the 11-point Numerical Pain Rating Scale.
• • Be a resident in Australia for the intervention and follow-up period.
• • Have access to the internet and smart device (e.g., mobile phone).
• • Be proficient in English.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Bilateral amputation.
• • Scheduled for major surgery during the study period.
• • Pain in the intact limb.
• • Vision impairment that would preclude successful participation.
• • Auditory impairment that would preclude successful participation.
• • Cognitive problems that would preclude effective participation in trial procedures (e.g., Alzheimer's, dementia).
• • Previously diagnosed neurological disorders that affect the movement of the intact limb (e.g., stroke, Parkinson, Multiple Sclerosis).
• • Completed Graded Motor Imagery in the order of left/right judgements, imagined movements, and mirror therapy.
• • Have contraindications for the use of stimulation devices (e.g., pacemaker, spinal cord stimulator).