COMPARISON STUY OF KINESIOTAPE AND LOW-LEVEL LASER THERAPY ON HYPERTROPHIC SCAR
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About
Hypertrophic scars after burn injury often cause pain, stiffness, and cosmetic concerns. Kinesio taping (KT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT; photobiomodulation) are widely used, yet direct comparisons and combined-therapy data remain limited. This single-center, three-arm, parallel randomized controlled trial will compare KT alone, LLLT alone, and their combination in patients with post-burn hypertrophic scars. Sixty participants will be randomized (1:1:1) to receive KT (reapplied every 2-3 days), LLLT using a 905-nm pulsed device (three sessions per week), or KT+LLLT for 8 weeks; all groups receive standardized scar care. Outcome assessors will be blinded. The primary outcome is change in scar pliability/firmness measured with a modified Schiotz tonometer from baseline to week 8. Secondary outcomes include change in pain intensity on a 10-cm visual analogue scale and treatment-related adverse events; an optional assessment at week 12 will evaluate durability. We hypothesize that KT+LLLT will produce greater improvements in elasticity and pain than either modality alone. The trial will be conducted at the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University (Giza, Egypt). Sponsor: Cairo University; Collaborators: National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences (NILES) and Faculty of Physical Therapy.
Full description
Objective: Compare the effects of kinesio taping (KT), low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and their combination on pliability and pain of post-burn hypertrophic scars.
Design: Single-center, three-arm, parallel randomized controlled trial (1:1:1); assessor- and analyst-blinded.
Setting: Outpatient clinic, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University (Giza, Egypt).
Participants: ~60 patients with clinically diagnosed hypertrophic scars after burns; able to complete 8-week treatment; standard exclusions for open wounds, infection, photosensitivity, etc.
Interventions:
Arm A: KT + standardized scar care (tape reapplied every 2-3 days).
Arm B: LLLT (905-nm pulsed device; ~16.2 J/cm²; 3×/week).
Arm C: KT + LLLT on the same schedule.
Duration: 8-week treatment; optional week-12 follow-up for durability.
Primary Outcome: Change in scar pliability/firmness (modified Schiotz tonometer) from baseline to week 8.
Secondary Outcomes: Change in pain (10-cm VAS); treatment-related adverse events; optional week-12 persistence.
Randomization/Concealment: Computer-generated sequence; SNOSE envelopes.
Analysis: Intention-to-treat; linear mixed-effects models with adjusted pairwise contrasts (Holm/Bonferroni).
Sponsor: Cairo University. Collaborators: National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences (NILES) and Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University.
Hypothesis: KT+LLLT will yield greater improvements than either modality alone.
Enrollment
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Inclusion criteria
- Male or female patients aged between 10 and 30 years. Presence of clinically diagnosed hypertrophic scars secondary to burn injuries, occurring between two months and four years after complete wound healing No history of other systemic or local pathologies that could affect scar characteristics or response to treatment. Ability and willingness to comply with the treatment protocol and attend all scheduled sessions
Exclusion criteria
- Open wounds or ulceration at or near the scarred area. Systemic medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, or a history of skin malignancy in the treatment region. Diagnosed deep vein thrombosis (DVT).Non-adherence, unwillingness to participate, or inability to follow the protocol. Cognitive impairment, psychiatric illness, or communication barriers affecting informed consent or participation.
Trial design
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Interventional model
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60 participants in 3 patient groups
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Data sourced from clinicaltrials.gov
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