Actively Recruiting
A Prospective Analysis of Physical Therapy Wound Care Modalities in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury
Led by Wake Forest University Health Sciences · Updated on 2026-04-08
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effects of physical therapy wound care methods on healing wounds in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The study compares three treatments: pulsed wound irrigation (PWI) alone, electrical stimulation (ES) alone, and a combination of PWI and ES. It is believed that combining these treatments may speed wound healing and improve patients' quality of life by involving them actively in their care and promoting confidence in managing their wounds. Participants will receive one of three wound care treatments. PWI uses normal saline sprayed at a controlled pressure to help remove dead tissue from wounds. ES applies a mild electrical current to encourage cells to move and support natural healing processes. The combined treatment applies both methods together. Each approach aims to support wound closure by improving the wound environment and attracting immune cells necessary for healing. During the study, participants will have their wounds assessed using the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BWAT) at the start, after one week, and after one year. Quality of life related to spinal cord injury will also be measured at the beginning and after one year. The study involves regular evaluations by physical therapists and individualized wound care treatments. Participants will be observed over time to track healing progress and any changes in their quality of life.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Physical Therapy Wound Care Modalities in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Currently enrolled at inpatient rehabilitation at Carolinas Rehabilitation Charlotte
- Diagnosis of spinal cord injury and concomitant pressure injury to sacrum or ischium
- Agreeable to wound care treatment by Physical Therapist (PT)
- Able to perform informed consent
- Over 18 years of age
- Physician order for PT wound care evaluation and treatment
- Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BWAT) >31 on initial evaluation
You will not qualify if you...
- Pain which limits ability to tolerate wound care treatments
- Unable to perform informed consent
- Pregnancy
- Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BWAT) <30 on initial evaluation
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)
Duration - Up to 1 year
Participants receive wound care treatments by Physical Therapists including pulsed wound irrigation (PWI), electrical stimulation (ES), or a combination of both to promote wound healing and improve quality of life.
Regular visits for wound care treatments during inpatient rehabilitation
Duration - Up to 1 year
Participants are assessed to measure wound healing progress and quality of life improvements after treatment.
Visits at baseline, Week 1, and Year 1 for outcome assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Carolinas Rehabilitation
Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, 28203
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Erin Weeks, PT, DPT,WS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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