Scientists have developed a computer system which allows amputees to see and move a 3D "phantom limb" in place of their lost one, it was revealed yesterday.

In a small study, the system, created by scientists at the University of Manchester, has helped some patients suffering from a condition known as phantom limb pain - discomfort felt by a person in a limb that is missing due to amputation.

Previous research has found that when a person's brain is tricked into believing they can see and move a "phantom limb", pain can decrease. By putting on a headset, patients see themselves intact with their lost limb and can use their remaining leg or arm to control the movements of the computer-generated one. Three men and two women, aged 56 to 65, took part in the study, and four of the five reported improvement in their phantom limb pain, sometimes almost immediately. The group had lost limbs between one and 40 years ago.

Project leader Craig Murray, of the university's school of psychological sciences, said: "One patient felt that the fingers of her amputated hand were continually clenched into her palm, which was very painful for her.

"However, after just one session using the virtual system she began to feel movement in her fingers and the pain began to ease."