NCT07037069

Effectiveness of DT vs GMIT on Wrist Pain and Function in Patients With Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Effectiveness of Desensitization Training vs Graded Motor Imagery Training on Wrist Pain and Function in Patients With Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (actual)
• Sponsor: Superior University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study evaluated the effectiveness of two therapeutic approaches-Desensitization Training (DT) and Graded Motor Imagery (GMI)-in reducing wrist pain and improving function in patients with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). The sample size was calculated using Epitools for one-way ANOVA comparison with two independent groups. A total of 40 participants were randomly assigned into two groups: the DT group and the GMI group, each consisting of 20 patients. The DT group underwent sessions involving progressive tactile stimulation using different textures and temperatures to reduce hypersensitivity and allodynia.

Detailed description

In contrast, the GMI group followed a structured three-phase cognitive rehabilitation protocol including laterality recognition, explicit motor imagery, and mirror therapy, aimed at re-training cortical representation and reducing pain perception. Both groups received same number of sessions. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) \& Specific Questionnaire for two groups is used to for pain and functional assessment involving wrist

Conditions

• Sympathetic; Dystrophy

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
COMBINATION_PRODUCT	Desensitization Training	Participants in this group received desensitization training aimed at reducing hypersensitivity and pain perception through progressive exposure to different tactile stimuli. Use of soft and coarse textures (cotton, wool, Velcro, brush). Rubbing, tapping, rolling over the affected wrist and hand.
COMBINATION_PRODUCT	Graded Motor Imagery (GMI)	Training Sample Size: 20 participants Participants underwent a progressive 3-phase motor training program designed to target cortical reorganization and improve movement without provoking pain. Phases: Laterality Recognition - identifying left/right hand images (Recognise™ app or cards). Explicit Motor Imagery - visualizing wrist movements without actual motion. Mirror Therapy - using a mirror box to simulate movement of the affected wrist. Sessions: 30-45 minutes/day, 5 times/week, for 4 weeks.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-03-04
• Primary completion: 2025-06-01
• Completion: 2025-09-30
• First posted: 2025-06-25
• Last updated: 2025-06-25

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan