Evaluation of the Effect of Sensory Feedback on Phantom Limb Pain in Multi-center Clinical Trials

Abstract

The EPIONE consortium aims to evaluate the effect of artificial sensory stimulation using an operant conditioning paradigm as a therapy for Phantom Limb Pain (PLP). A uniform therapy /assessment protocol was developed for a multi-center study to evaluate the effect of the therapy on their (1) Phantom Limb Pain, (2) psychological state and (3) sensory motor cortical map. Participating subjects complete several phases of assessment. Post hoc analyses will compare results from testing done before, during, and after therapy. Outcomes of the intervention aim to improve the current understanding of pain and the psychophysical effects of pain management, which will progress the pilot therapy program toward a fully developed PLP solution.