finances and feasibility

Aim:

- to investigate the effects of an aquatic exercise program in patients with severe scars

Patient population:

• 10 patients of at least 18 years old
• patients with scars after burns or other severe skin injuries
• stratification into two groups: an intervention group and a control group

Method:

• 8 patients will participate in the aquatic exercise group and 2 patients in the control group
• assessment of physical fitness parameters, scar tissue and psychosocial impact

Hypothesis:

- patients of the aquatic exercise group will recover sooner and better (physically and psychologically) than patients of the control group

Intervention:

- during 6 weeks patients will performed an aquatic exercise program (2 to 3 sessions a week)

Assessment:

• T0: post-hospitalisation status: body mass index, physical fitness, strength and respiratory function
• T1: at baseline: body mass index, physical fitness, strength, respiratory function, exercise capacity, mobility, scar parameters and some questionnaires
• T2: after 6 weeks training: same measurements as T1
• T3: 3 months after end of aquatic training: idem T1
• T4: 6 months after end of aquatic training: questionnaires
• T5: 1 year after end of aquatic training: questionnaires

Inclusion Criteria:

• at least 18 years old
• hospitalisation at the burn unit of at least 14 days
• patients with severe skin damage (like burns, deglovements, necrotic fasciitis, ...)

Exclusion Criteria:

• younger than 18 years
• psychiatric history (recommandation of psychiatrist not to participate in the study)