Protein Supplementation and Exercise Training in Burn Patients

Impact of Adding Protein Supplementation to Exercise Training on Lean Body Mass and Muscle Strength in Burn Patients

Burn injury causes continuous catabolism of the skeletal muscle resulting in decreased muscle strength, muscle mass and impairment of functional mobility. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of combination of exercise training and protein supplementation on lean body mass (LBM) and muscle strength in patients with severe burn.

Sixty participants with severe burn > 30% total body surface area (TBSA) were randomly distributed into 4 equal groups of 15 participants per group. Group A (Protein+ Exercise group) received oral protein supplementation, exercise program and traditional burn care, group B (Protein group) received oral protein supplementation and traditional burn care, group C (Exercise group) received exercise program and traditional burn care, group D (Control group) received traditional burn care. LBM was measured using Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) while muscle strength was measured using Biodex 3 Dynamometer System before treatment and 12 weeks after treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• healed deep partial-thickness thermal burn
• > 30% of TBSA and
• the exercise program started after healing of the burn (after burn injury by 6 weeks)

Exclusion Criteria:

• conditions that may affect on participation in the exercise program as a recent coronary disease, uncontrolled hypertension, orthopedic problems limiting exercise, abnormal cardiac stress test, pregnant women, refusal to participate in a physical activity program,
• presence of psychological or cognitive disorders (aggressive behavior, impulsivity, dementia)
• food intolerance to milk protein products.