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Shock wave therapy versus conventional physical therapy for partial-thickness forearm burn scars: A randomized
Hany M Elgohary1, Heba M Elfeky2, Ahmed M Elfahl3
1Physical Therapy Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jerash University, Jerash, Jordan; Department of Physical Therapy for Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
Summary
Shock wave therapy (SWT) significantly improved burn scar properties, including pain and appearance, compared to conventional physical therapy. This treatment offers a promising option for managing partial-thickness forearm burn scars.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Physical Medicine
- Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Burn scars result from thermal, chemical, electrical, or radiation injuries, causing physical and psychological distress.
- These scars can impair mobility, sensation, and self-esteem, necessitating effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of shock wave therapy (SWT) against conventional physical therapy for treating partial-thickness forearm burn scars.
- To evaluate the impact of SWT on scar tissue properties, pain, and patient-reported outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 70 patients with partial-thickness forearm burns.
- Participants were randomized into two groups: SWT (Group A) and conventional physical therapy with a sham applicator (Group B).
- Assessments included ultrasonography, Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), and Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B) at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks.
Main Results:
- Both groups showed significant improvements in all outcome measures (VAS, thickness, VSS, BSHS) from baseline to follow-up.
- Shock wave therapy (SWT) group demonstrated statistically significant enhancements in pain (VAS), scar appearance (VSS), and quality of life (BSHS).
- Effect sizes (η²p) indicated a considerable impact of SWT on VAS, VSS, and BSHS outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Shock wave therapy (SWT) is effective in improving the characteristics of burn scar tissue.
- SWT notably alleviates pain and enhances the visual appearance of hypertrophic scars.
- SWT presents a viable therapeutic option for managing forearm burn scars.
