Exercise Training Post Burn Injury

Safety and Efficacy of Exercise Training Post Burn Injury: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a high intensity aerobic and resisted exercise program will improve physical, functional and psychological outcomes in patients post burn injury.

Even though immediate and early death from severe thermal injury has reduced over the last twenty years, considerable physical and psychosocial morbidity still persists. While exercise is strongly recommended to assist recovery and overall outcome, there is limited evidence in adults to indicate whether it is effective and/or safe.

This study will investigate the effect of a high intensity aerobic and resisted exercise program exercise program on safety, physical, functional and quality of life measures in adults post burn injury.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Burns greater than 20% total body surface area
• 18 years of age and over
• English speaking
• Post final grafting procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

• Accompanying anoxic brain injury
• Cardiac disease or injury (American College of Sports medicine ACSM criteria)
• Quadriplegia
• Severe behaviour or cognitive disorders
• Compassionate care only