Actively Recruiting
A Pilot, Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effectiveness of Paraffin Wax On Burn Patient Function, Range of Motion and Scar
Led by Medstar Health Research Institute · Updated on 2025-06-13
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating whether paraffin wax can improve the range of motion and function of burn scars that cross joints when used alongside scar rehabilitation therapy. This trial focuses on burn patients with scars affecting joints such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, or ankle. The study aims to gather new information about paraffin wax as an additional treatment to exercise therapy, as current options for improving joint movement in burn scars are limited. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one will receive standard exercise therapy alone, and the other will receive exercise therapy combined with paraffin wax treatment applied to the scar. The paraffin wax is applied for 15 minutes before the exercise therapy sessions, which include scar massage, exercises, and functional activities. The study involves four exercise therapy sessions over about eight weeks, conducted in an outpatient setting. Before starting treatment, participants will attend a pre-treatment visit where scar assessments will be performed, including photos, range of motion measurements, imaging, and questionnaires about symptoms and function. At each visit, various measurements such as scar stiffness, water loss, skin temperature, pain, and itch will be taken. The study will carefully monitor changes in range of motion and other scar characteristics to evaluate the effect of paraffin wax during rehabilitation. The total participation period lasts around eight weeks with regular follow-ups.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Paraffin Wax and Exercise Prospective
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 years or older
- Burn scar that crosses a joint on the upper or lower extremity (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle)
- Prescribed a rehabilitation program where paraffin wax could be used as an addition to exercise therapy
You will not qualify if you...
- Unable to provide informed consent
- Injury cause other than burn (such as cutaneous trauma or cold injury)
- Pregnant women
- Prisoners
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person) for pre-treatment assessments including scar measurements, photographs, questionnaires, and optional blood draw
Duration - Approximately 8 weeks
Participants undergo 4 exercise therapy sessions with or without paraffin wax applied to the burn scar, depending on random assignment. Measurements of scar condition and function are collected at each session.
4 sessions approximately 1 to 2 weeks apart
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
MedStar Washington Hosptial Center
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States, 20010
Actively Recruiting
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here