Targeted brain rehabilitation: Development, feasibility, and usability of a novel virtual reality system for phantom limb pain management and amputee rehabilitation

Serbin, R. P., Frix, J. T., Bowmar, E., Johnsen, K., Siebert, M., Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn, Loeffler, B. J., & Gaston, R. G. (2025). “Targeted brain rehabilitation: Development, feasibility, and usability of a novel virtual reality system for phantom limb pain management and amputee rehabilitation.” The Journal of Hand Surgery, 50(12), 1445-1453. Abstract: Phantom limb pain (PLP), which affects up to 1.6 million amputees in the United States, is often inadequately controlled with current treatment strategies. Although surgical interventions like targeted muscle reinnervation and regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces can effectively address peripheral pain generators, the central mechanisms of PLP require complementary treatment approaches. This study introduces targeted brain rehabilitation (TBR), a novel virtual reality system designed to address the limitations of current therapies and provide a comprehensive, accessible solution for PLP management. Targeted brain rehabilitation incorporates a structured, four-phase approach aimed at gradually engaging the plasticity of cortical regions involved in phantom limb perception and pain.