Methodological, technical and clinical parameters of mirror therapy applied to amputees complaining of phantom pain: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective: To identify the main methodological, technical and clinical parameters of Mirror Therapy (ST) applied to amputees with complaints of phantom limb pain. Methods: This is a systematic review. For data collection, the electronic databases Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System online (MedLine) via Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus online via Elsevier, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (Lilacs) via the Library were selected. Virtual Health (VHL). Original, observational and experimental studies addressing mirror therapy related to phantom pain were included, indexed in selected databases, available in full online, in English, Portuguese and Spanish in the last 10 years. Results: In most studies, ET was effective in reducing phantom limb pain when performed for more than four sessions and only one session is not effective. There was a decrease in the duration and severity of pain episodes in three studies. The ease of application and low cost also draw attention, as mirror therapy can be self-administered at the home of the amputee. Final considerations: ET reduces phantom limb pain when performed for more than four sessions.