Effects of Physical Therapy on Wound Healing in Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Official title: A Prospective Analysis of Physical Therapy Wound Care Modalities in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury
Run by Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NCT05458947 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether different types of physical therapy can help improve wound healing in people with spinal cord injuries.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Wake Forest University Health Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charlotte, North Carolina) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 11, 2022 |
| Main results expected | January 2027 |
| Study ends | January 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05458947 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Other studies have shown promising results with similar wound care approaches, suggesting potential for success in this trial.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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Carolinas Rehabilitation
Charlotte, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Erin Weeks, PT,DPT, CWS — Carolinas Rehabilitation
- Study coordinator: Erin Weeks, PT, DPT,WS
- Email: Erin.Weeks@advocatehealth.org
- Phone: 704-355-4461
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation with 4-aminopyridine and intensive rehab for chronic spinal cord injury
This pilot study tests whether combining noninvasive spinal stimulation, dalfampridine, and rigorous rehab is safe and feasible for adults with chronic spinal cord injury and whether it can help improve movement and walking.
-
NG004 for incomplete cervical spinal cord injury
This trial tests NG004 versus placebo to see if it is safe and helps motor function and daily life in adults with acute incomplete cervical spinal cord injury.
-
Robot-assisted training for arm and leg movement after stroke or injury
This study tests whether adding ZEPU-AI robotic training to usual therapy is safe and helps adults with arm or leg movement problems from stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, or orthopedic conditions.
-
ZEPU-AI3 Lower Limb Feedback Training and Evaluation Robot in Rehab
This pilot trial tests whether adding the ZEPU-AI3 robotic leg training with real-time feedback to standard rehab helps adults with lower limb motor problems from stroke, spinal cord injury, or similar conditions.
-
Combined magnetic stimulation and ultrasound for detrusor overactivity in spinal cord injury
This study tests whether using high-frequency sacral nerve stimulation together with bladder-directed ultrasound can reduce involuntary bladder contractions and improve bladder function in people with spinal cord injury.
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Tocotrienol-loaded Dressing for Stage 1–2 Pressure Ulcers
Atocotrienol-containing wound dressing is being tested to see if it helps heal stage 1–2 pressure ulcers better than standard dressings.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.