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.

• Scar Volume [Срок оценки: 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 [Срок оценки: 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 [Срок оценки: 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 [Срок оценки: 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 [Срок оценки: 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 [Срок оценки: 6 months (± 2 weeks) post discharge]
• Overall Activity [Срок оценки: Months 2, 4, and 5 (+15 days, each timepoint) in addition to 1, 3, & 6 months after discharge.]
• Itch Scale [Срок оценки: 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)]