An interventional study of Range of Motion exercises in Impact of ROM Exercises on Pain and Functional Ability in Patients With Second -Degree Burns, sponsored by Al-Azhar University. Not yet recruiting. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 60 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-10-20.
Sponsored by Al-Azhar University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
The goal of this quasi-experimental study is to evaluate the effect of range of motion (ROM) exercises on pain and functional ability among adult patients of both genders with second-degree burn injuries affecting the upper and/or lower extremities.
The main questions addressed by the study are:
Do range of motion exercises reduce pain levels among patients with second-degree burn injuries? Do range of motion exercises improve the functional ability of burned upper and/or lower extremities among patients with second-degree burn injuries?
A comparison between the study group receiving range of motion exercises and the control group receiving routine care will be conducted to evaluate the effects of range of motion exercises on pain levels and functional ability.
Study participants will undergo the following procedures:
Assessment of pain levels before implementing range of motion exercises. Assessment of the functional ability of burned upper and/or lower extremities before implementing range of motion exercises.
Implementation of range of motion exercises for the study group according to the study protocol.
Provision of routine care to the control group. Post-intervention assessment of pain levels and functional ability to evaluate changes following the intervention.
Burn injuries represent a significant global public health concern because of their potential to cause physical impairment, prolonged hospitalization, psychological distress, and reduced quality of life. The consequences of burn injuries extend beyond the initial tissue damage and may include persistent pain, restricted mobility, muscle weakness, joint stiffness, scar formation, and limitations in daily activities. These complications may affect functional independence and increase the need for rehabilitation and supportive care.
Second-degree burns, also known as partial-thickness burns, involve the epidermis and part of the dermis. These burns are classified into superficial partial-thickness and deep partial-thickness burns according to the depth of tissue involvement. Superficial partial-thickness burns commonly present with blisters, a moist wound surface, and significant pain. Healing generally occurs within approximately two to three weeks, depending on the extent of the injury and the healing process. Deep partial-thickness burns extend further into the dermis and may require a longer healing period, with an increased risk of scarring and functional impairment.
Pain is one of the most common and distressing symptoms experienced by patients with burn injuries. Burn-related pain may arise from the initial injury, wound care procedures, tissue healing, and restricted movement. Pain intensity varies according to the depth, extent, and location of the burn, as well as the stage of recovery. Persistent pain may limit movement, reduce participation in rehabilitation activities, and interfere with the performance of activities of daily living.
Burn injuries affecting the upper and lower extremities may lead to restricted joint mobility, muscle weakness, scar contractures, and impaired functional performance. Such limitations can interfere with essential daily activities, including dressing, bathing, eating, grooming, walking, and personal hygiene. Functional impairment may be particularly significant when burns involve the hands, arms, legs, or joints, where adequate mobility is essential for independent movement and self-care.
Range of motion (ROM) exercises are therapeutic movements designed to maintain or improve joint mobility, preserve flexibility, and reduce movement restrictions. These exercises are generally classified into three types: active range of motion (AROM), passive range of motion (PROM), and active-assisted range of motion (AAROM). AROM exercises involve independent joint movement performed by the patient. PROM exercises involve joint movement performed by a healthcare professional without active participation from the patient. AAROM exercises involve active movement with assistance from a healthcare professional when additional support is required to complete the movement.
ROM exercises may play an important role in the rehabilitation of patients with burn injuries by maintaining joint mobility, minimizing stiffness, and supporting the recovery of functional movement. Appropriate exercises may facilitate the gradual restoration of movement in affected extremities and support the performance of daily activities. The selection and implementation of exercises depend on the patient's clinical condition, the location and extent of the burn, and any relevant medical contraindications.
The evaluation of pain and functional ability is essential for determining the potential benefits of ROM exercises among patients with second-degree burn injuries. Assessment of pain intensity and the functional performance of affected upper and lower extremities before and after the intervention can help identify changes associated with the exercise program. Comparison of outcomes between the study group receiving ROM exercises and the control group receiving routine care will provide information regarding the effectiveness of ROM exercises in reducing pain and improving functional ability among patients with second-degree burn injuries.
Despite the importance of rehabilitation in burn care, further evaluation of the effects of range of motion (ROM) exercises on pain and functional ability among patients with second-degree burn injuries is warranted. Assessing changes in pain intensity and the functional ability of affected upper and lower extremities may provide valuable evidence regarding the role of ROM exercises in improving rehabilitation outcomes. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of ROM exercises on pain and functional ability among patients with second-degree burn injuries through a comparison between a study group receiving ROM exercises and a control group receiving routine care.
2,450 studies on the registry are indexed under Pain; 945 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 80 is above the median of 70 across 2,101 interventional studies indexed under Pain.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Participants in this group will receive routine hospital nursing care and standard medical management for second-degree burn injuries according to institutional protocols. Prescribed analgesic medications will be administered according to the attending physicians' orders. Pain intensity and functional ability will be assessed at baseline and at the end of the three-week study period using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI), and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), according to the location of the burn injury.
Study Group: Patients this will receive routine hospital care, including pharmacological therapy, hydrotherapy, and wound dressing, in addition to Range of Motion (ROM) exercises. The researcher will demonstrate the ROM exercises to patients in the burn inpatient and outpatient units. The exercises will be performed three times daily, with each movement repeated 10 times and held for 30 seconds, according to the full range of motion of the major joints of the upper and lower extremities, including the wrists, elbows, shoulders, thighs, knees, and ankles. Pain level and functional ability of the burned limb will be assessed before and after the intervention using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Upper Extremity Functional index, and Lower Extremity Functional Scale, respectively. The final assessment will be conducted after three weeks.
Other: Range of Motion exercises
A structured, individualized ROM exercise program will be implemented for study group with second-degree burn injuries affecting the upper or lower extremities. The program will be conducted three times daily for three consecutive weeks. Each targeted joint movement will be repeated 10 times and maintained for 30 seconds within the available pain-free range of motion. Exercises will target the shoulders, elbows, and wrists of the upper extremities and the hips, knees, and ankles of the lower extremities, according to the location of the burn injury. The exercises will be demonstrated and supervised by the researcher during hospitalization and performed according to the study protocol
Also known as: study group intervention
Patient's Structured Interview Questionnaire
It will be divided into two parts and written in the Arabic language. Part 1: Patient's demographic characteristics It aims to assess patient' age, gender, marital status, degree of education …. etc. Part 2: Medical health profile It aims to assess information on the patient's present history, past history. It will include cause of burn, degree of burn, percent of burn, first aid, skin graft, limb affected, date of admission and date of discharge.
Time frame: Baseline assessment before the intervention
Change in Pain Intensity
Pain Numeric Rating Scale It will be used to assess the patient's level of pain through asked the patient to make four pain ratings from 0 to 10 score, corresponding to current, no pain, mild, moderate and severe pain experienced. Scoring system * 0 (no pain) * 3 (mild pain) * 4 - 6 (moderate pain) * 7- 10 (severe pain)
Time frame: Baseline assessment before the intervention and follow-up assessment at the end of 3 weeks.
Change in Functional Ability of the Affected upper Extremities
Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI) It will be used to assess upper extremities functional abilities of patients with burn injury in performing activities of daily living. The scale lists 20 activities, and the patient gives a score to each based on the difficulty they have completing that activity. The maximum possible score is 80 points, indicating very high function. The minimum possible score is 0 points, indicating very low function. This scale has 5-point rating scale, ranging from 0 to 4. 0 indicates extreme difficulty or unable to perform activity while 4 indicates no difficulty. A lower score indicates that the person is reporting increased difficulty with the daily activities as a result of their limb condition. * (0 - 9) extreme extremity functional limitation. * (10 - 31) severe extremity functional limitation. * (32 - 52) moderate extremity functional limitation. * (53 - 79) mild extremity functional limitation. * (80) no extremity functional limitation.
Time frame: Baseline and 3 weeks after the intervention
Change in Functional Ability of the Affected lower Extremities
Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) It will used to assess the functional limitation of a patient with lower extremities burn injury. The scale lists 20 activities, and the patient gives a score to each based on the difficulty they have completing that activity. This scale has 5-point rating scale, ranging from 0 to 4. 0 indicates extreme difficulty or unable to perform activity while 4 indicates no difficulty. A lower score indicates that the person is reporting increased difficulty with the daily activities as a result of their limb condition. * (0 - 9) extreme extremity functional limitation. * (10 - 31) severe extremity functional limitation. * (32 - 52) moderate extremity functional limitation. * (53 - 79) mild extremity functional limitation. * (80) no extremity functional limitation.
Time frame: Baseline and 3 weeks after the intervention
No study locations are listed for this record.
Plan to share: No
From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
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