Using shock wave therapy to improve hand function after burns

Clinical Utility of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Restoring Hand Function of Patients With Nerve Injury and Hypertrophic Scars Due to Burns

NA · Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital · NCT06438224

This study is testing if shock wave therapy can help people with burns improve their hand function and reduce pain.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorHangang Sacred Heart Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Seoul)
Trial IDNCT06438224 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in restoring hand function in patients who have suffered nerve injuries and hypertrophic scars due to burns. Participants will receive 12 weekly treatments of ESWT, with parameters set for energy flux density and frequency, while being compared to a sham stimulation group. The study will measure outcomes such as pain levels, hand function, grip strength, and scar characteristics before and after the treatment period. The goal is to determine if ESWT can significantly improve hand function and reduce discomfort in affected individuals.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have sustained deep partial-thickness or full-thickness burns on their dominant hand and have confirmed nerve injuries.

Not a fit: Patients with musculoskeletal diseases, acute infections, malignant tumors, or those who are pregnant will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly enhance hand function and quality of life for patients recovering from burn injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using ESWT for tissue regeneration and pain reduction, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥ 18 years old
* had sustained a deep partial-thickness (second-degree) or a full-thickness (third-degree) burn in the right dominant hand, which had been treated with a split-thickness skin graft (STSG) after the thermal injury
* nerve injury to the hand was confirmed by electromyography
* \< 6 months prior to the enrollment

Exclusion Criteria:

* musculoskeletal diseases (fracture, amputation, rheumatoid arthritis, and degenerative joint diseases) of the hands
* acute infection
* malignant tumors
* coagulopathy
* pregnancy
* potential for additional skin damage if exposed to ESWT and conventional occupational therapy.

Where this trial is running

Seoul

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hand Injuries, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Burns, Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, hypertrophic scar, burns, hand function, nerve injury

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.