Paraffin Wax plus Exercise for Improving Joint Movement in Burn Scars
A Pilot, Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effectiveness of Paraffin Wax On Burn Patient Function, Range of Motion and Scar
This study will test whether adding paraffin wax to exercise-based scar rehab helps adults with burn scars that cross a joint improve joint range of motion and function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medstar Health Research Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Washington D.C., District of Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06786884 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with burn scars that cross an extremity joint are randomized to receive standard exercise therapy with or without paraffin wax used as an adjunct during outpatient rehabilitation visits. Before treatment, investigators collect standardized photos, range of motion measures, noninvasive probes and imaging (including laser Doppler), and questionnaires about symptoms, function, and appearance, with an optional small blood draw. Participants return for regular outpatient follow-up visits while receiving their prescribed rehabilitation program and the assigned paraffin intervention or no paraffin. The treatment allocation is 50/50 by chance and neither patients nor clinicians choose the assignment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 and over who have a burn scar crossing an upper or lower extremity joint and who have been prescribed a rehabilitation program where paraffin wax could be used as an adjunct are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People whose scars do not cross a joint, whose injury was not caused by a burn, pregnant women, prisoners, or those unable to consent are not likely to benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding paraffin wax could help people with burn scars regain joint range of motion and improve day‑to‑day function.
How similar studies have performed: Paraffin therapy is commonly used in hand and soft‑tissue rehabilitation, but rigorous randomized evidence specifically for burn scars across joints is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years * Patients with burn scar that crosses an upper or lower extremity joint (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle) * Patients that have been prescribed a rehabilitation program where paraffin wax could be used as an adjunct to rehab exercise therapy Exclusion Criteria: * Adults unable to provide informed consent * Injury etiology other than burn (ex: cutaneous trauma, cold injury, etc.) * Pregnant women * Prisoners
Where this trial is running
Washington D.C., District of Columbia
- MedStar Washington Hosptial Center — Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.