Effects of Physical Therapy on Wound Healing in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

A Prospective Analysis of Physical Therapy Wound Care Modalities in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

Not applicable Interventional Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NCT05458947

This study is testing whether different types of physical therapy can help improve wound healing in people with spinal cord injuries.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWake Forest University Health Sciences Academic / other
Locations1 site (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT05458947 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the impact of various physical therapy wound care modalities, including pulsed wound irrigation (PWI) combined with electrical stimulation (ES), PWI alone, and ES alone, on the healing of pressure injuries in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The hypothesis is that the combination of PWI and ES will yield the most significant improvement in wound healing rates. Additionally, the study aims to enhance patients' quality of life through individualized education and engagement in their wound care process. Participants will receive tailored treatments from Physical Therapists to promote self-efficacy in managing their wounds.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with a spinal cord injury and a pressure injury to the sacrum or ischium who are currently receiving inpatient rehabilitation.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to tolerate wound care treatments due to pain or those with less severe wounds may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve wound healing outcomes and quality of life for patients with spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar wound care approaches, suggesting potential for success in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 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

Exclusion Criteria:

* 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

Where this trial is running

Charlotte, North Carolina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Spinal Cord InjuriesPressure InjuriesWound CarePhysical TherapyPulsed wound irrigationElectrical stimulation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.