Isokinetic Training Versus Treadmill Training on Muscle Strength and Gait in Children With Lower Limb Burns

Improvement by Isokinetic and Treadmill Training on Muscle Strength and Gait in Burned Children

Burn wounds are one of the most complexes and dramatic of all injuries, it produces a direct local tissue destruction and damage. In addition, burn wounds may continue to destroy tissue and muscles, exercise therapy stimulates the early expression of angiogenesis-related growth factors so it results in new vessel in-growth that improves blood supply, increases cell proliferation, accelerates tissue regeneration and healing and regain muscle strength

To evaluate the efficacy of isokinetic training against treadmill training in improving muscle strength and gait in children having lower limb burns. Methods: Sixty children from both genders (boys and girls) who were complaining from 2nd degree lower limb burns with ≥30 percent of their total body surface area (TBSA) participated in this study, their ages ranged from 8 to 16 years and they were randomized into three groups of same number (A, B and C). Groups (A) received conventional physical therapy program, group (B) received the same conventional physical therapy program of group (A) with trained to use the isokinetic device while group (C) received the same conventional physical therapy program of group (A and B) and used treadmill training. The children participated in this study were assessed by Hand-held dynamometer (HHD) and Balance Master System (BMS). They were evaluated before and after the treatment program three sessions per week for 12 consecutive weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children aged between 8 to 16 year
• Complaining from 2nd degree lower limb burns (≥30 % of their TBSA).
• Capable of standing and walking independently.
• Clinically and medically stable.
• Sufficient cognition demonstrating understanding the requirements of the study.
• No history of lower extremity surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Visual and/or auditory defects.
• Significant shortening and/or deformity of lower extremities.
• Other neurological problems that affect balance or mentality (e.g. epilepsy).
• Advanced radiographic changes include (bone destruction, bony ankylosis, knee joint sublaxation and epiphysial fracture).
• Congenital or acquired skeletal deformities in the lower limbs.
• Cardiopulmonary dysfunction.