Impact of a Telerehabilitation Program With Technology Enhancement on Post-burn Recovery

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.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults: ≥18 to ≤79 years of age
• Not participating in another interventional trial
• Admitted to the Blocker Burn Unit for treatment of initial burn
• Subject is able and willing to follow the protocol requirements
• Burn wound / scar / contracture occurring across at least one joint.
• Has regular access to smart phone, tablet, or computer with internet access.

Exclusion criteria

• Any medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigator or physician, would place the subject at increased risk for participation.
• Concurrent participation on another interventional clinical trial
• History of prior non-compliance or the presence or history of psychiatric condition (including drug or alcohol addiction) that would, in the opinion of the investigator, make it difficult for the subject to comply with the study procedures or follow the investigators instructions.
• Patients without internet access.