Evaluating the effectiveness of shock wave therapy combined with rehabilitation for post-burn scars
Official title: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) Combined With Standard Rehabilitation Versus Standard Rehabilitation Alone in Managing Post-Burn Scars: A Randomized Controlled Trial With Integrated Economic Evaluation
Run by Al Hayah University In Cairo · NCT06913257 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether combining shock wave therapy with regular rehabilitation can help adults with thick scars from burns feel better and improve their scar quality compared to just rehabilitation alone.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 104 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Al Hayah University In Cairo Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 22, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 6, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06913257 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with documented hypertrophic scars from burn injuries that have been stable for at least 6 months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with comorbid conditions that interfere with treatment or those who have had recent invasive scar treatments 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 randomized controlled trial evaluates the cost-effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) combined with standard rehabilitation compared to rehabilitation alone for adults with hypertrophic post-burn scars. The study will measure clinical outcomes such as pain intensity, pruritus, and scar quality, alongside economic outcomes like cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Participants aged 18-65 with stable hypertrophic scars will be randomized into two groups to assess the benefits of the combined treatment over standard care. Data will be collected at baseline and follow-up visits at 1, 3, and 6 months post-intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the management of post-burn scars, enhancing patients' quality of life and reducing healthcare costs.
How similar studies have gone: While ESWT has shown promise in enhancing scar maturation, this specific cost-effectiveness evaluation is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Adults aged 18-65 years. Documented hypertrophic scars following a burn injury, with scars present and stable for at least 6 months. Moderate to severe scar severity as measured by a standardized clinical assessment. Experiencing significant pain and/or pruritus related to the scar, with a baseline VAS score of ≥4. Able to provide informed consent and comply with study procedures. Employed or engaged in daily activities such that indirect costs (absenteeism/reduced productivity) can be recorded. Exclusion Criteria: Pregnant or lactating women. Individuals with previous surgical scar revision or other invasive scar treatments within the last 6 months. Patients with comorbid conditions (e.g., severe cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled diabetes) that could interfere with rehabilitation or ESWT. Active skin infection in the area of the scar. Use of concurrent investigational therapies for scar management.
Where it's running
-
Faculty of Physical Therapy, Al Hayah University
Cairo, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ibrahim Zoheiry, Ph.D
- Email: ibrahim.alzoheiry@hotmail.com
- Phone: 01277774949
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
3D printed orthosis for treating post-burn scars
This study is testing a new way to make custom 3D-printed devices to help heal thick scars from burns and see if they are easy to make and affordable.
-
Using silicone tape to improve scars after abdominal surgery
This study is testing if using silicone tape on abdominal scars after surgery can make them look better compared to leaving part of the scar without any treatment.
-
Comparing zinc oxide and petrolatum for healing surgical scars
This study is testing whether zinc oxide ointment works better than petrolatum for healing and reducing scars after skin surgery.
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.