Effects of different duration exercise programs in children with severe burns

Model System:

Burn

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J81106

Journal:

Burns

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2017 , 43, 4, 796-803

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study investigated whether different durations of exercise, 6 or 12 weeks, produce comparable improvements in muscle strength, body composition, and cardiopulmonary fitness in children with severe burns. Forty-two patients with at least 30 percent of their total body surface area burned were randomized to receive 6 or 12 weeks of exercise rehabilitation. Patients were evaluated for muscle strength, oxygen consumption capacity, and lean body mass at discharge and after exercise. After 6 weeks or 12 weeks of exercise training, leg muscle strength was assessed as peak torque per body weight using a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2) was studied using a standard treadmill-based test, and lean body mass was determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Significant improvements in muscle strength, peak VO2, and lean body mass were seen after 6 weeks of exercise training, with only significant improvements in peak VO2 being seen after 6 weeks more of training. These data suggest that a 6-week rehabilitative exercise program is sufficient for improving muscle strength, body composition, and cardiopulmonary fitness in pediatric burn patients. However, continuation of at- or near-home cardiopulmonary training following the 6 weeks of at-hospital rehabilitation may be useful.

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