An interventional study of Tele-Rehabilitation in Burns, sponsored by The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston. Recruiting at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 79 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-03-06.
Sponsored by The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of participating in a tele-rehabilitation program after a burn.
This is a prospective single center randomized trial comparing a traditional approach to physical therapy to a technology-enhanced approach following a burn. We hypothesize that with the implementation of a novel telerehabilitation program incorporating technology enhancement, range of motion and quality of life can be improved. To test the hypothesis in future grant applications, this pilot study will be used to determine feasibility, collect preliminary data, vet endpoints, and gain patient feedback. To achieve these necessary goals, we will compare two methods of supporting home performance of prescribed physical and occupational therapy: Standard (S): patients will be equipped with paper instructions for their physical therapy exercises; and Technology-Enhanced (TE) support: patients will be given paper instructions, set up with a habit and productivity application (Avocation) that gamifies tasks and tracks achievements, a Fitbit activity tracker, a logbook, and have virtual movement therapy once weekly with an exercise physiologist for a total of four weeks.
Specific Aim 1: To determine whether range of motion is altered with TE. Range of motion in the affected joint(s) will be measured by goniometry (self-reported by patient and measured by study staff in the clinic)
Specific Aim 2: To determine whether TE with prescribed movement affects scar, pain, and quality of life.
719 studies on the registry are indexed under Burns; 145 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 30 is below the median of 40 across 524 interventional studies indexed under Burns.
Browse Burns studies →The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston is the lead sponsor of 251 studies on the registry; 38 are open to participants now.
Of its 30 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 25 (83%) have results posted.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants will receive standard of care education by the physical or occupational therapist regarding performance of the prescribed movements prior to discharge. Participants will complete the study about 6 months after discharge.
Other: Tele-Rehabilitation
Participants will receive standard of care education by the physical or occupational therapist regarding performance of the prescribed movements prior to discharge. Participants will undergo additional training in the use of a goniometer to measure range of motion at home and record the measurement once a week for 6 months. Participants will engage in 4 virtual sessions as well as wear a Fitbit
Other: Tele-Rehabilitation
Technology will be used to enhance rehabilitation.
Change in range of motion, measured with a goniometer
Patient will be asked to bend the affected joint, and the goniometer held next to the joint to measure the angle. The range of motion for the opposite joint will be measured as well.
Time frame: Prior to planned discharge or during first week post- discharge (Baseline), and at clinic visits approximately 1, 3, & 6 months after discharge (±15 days, each timepoint)
Scar Volume
3D photo taken with LifeViz 3DII camera.
Time frame: Prior to planned discharge or during first week post- discharge (Baseline), and at clinic visits approximately 1, 3, & 6 months after discharge (±15 days, each timepoint)
Elasticity, color, temperature, trans epidermal water loss, and scar thickness
Measured with Dermalab combo (Cortex Technology, Denmark); each probe is held with constant pressure on the skin or scar surface for one minute; multiple measures are conducted to reduce variability.
Time frame: Prior to planned discharge or during first week post- discharge (Baseline), and at clinic visits approximately 1, 3, & 6 months after discharge (±15 days, each timepoint)
Blood Flow
A laser speckle device will be used to measure blood flow without contact.
Time frame: Prior to planned discharge or during first week post- discharge (Baseline), and at clinic visits approximately 1, 3, & 6 months after discharge (±15 days, each timepoint)
Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale v2.0
The scale consists of six items rated from 1 to 10, where 1 is "normal skin" and 10 is the "worst imaginable scar". The observer (i.e., investigator) evaluates scar vascularity, pigmentation, thickness, relief, pliability, and surface area. The scores of each of the six items are summed for a total score (range 6 to 60).
Time frame: Prior to planned discharge or during first week post- discharge (Baseline), and at clinic visits approximately 1, 3, & 6 months after discharge (±15 days, each timepoint)
Pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Score
Pain severity scores at rest will be assessed by use of a visual analog scale (VAS; 0 = no pain, 100 = worst pain imaginable).
Time frame: Prior to planned discharge or during first week post- discharge (Baseline), and at clinic visits approximately 1, 3, & 6 months after discharge (±15 days, each timepoint)
Post Interview
At the conclusion of each patient's participation, they will meet with an investigator or delegated study staff for a brief non-structured interview to discuss participation in the study including improvements for follow-up studies.
Time frame: 6 months (± 2 weeks) post discharge
Overall Activity
To be captured via Fitbit on a daily basis to gauge overall activity. These data will be correlated with the pain scale as reduced activity is associated with pain.
Time frame: Months 2, 4, and 5 (+15 days, each timepoint) in addition to 1, 3, & 6 months after discharge.
Itch Scale
A Visual Analog Scale will be used for patients to rate their itch from 0 to 100. (VAS; 0 = no itch, 100 = worst itch imaginable).
Time frame: Prior to planned discharge or during first week post- discharge (Baseline), and at clinic visits approximately 1, 3, & 6 months after discharge (±15 days, each timepoint)
Plan to share: No
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The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston