This paper describes a pilot clinical study designed to compare changes in ROM, muscle strength and functional recovery of the upper limb during the inpatient treatment period of burn injury.

Patients with burns can face challenges throughout their recovery, including contractures and a reduced range of motion (ROM) in the upper limb (UL), upper and lower limb impairment. Restoring range of motion, muscle strength, and mobility is essential to reduce scarring formation and contractures. The study included 17 patients with unilateral or bilateral superficial, deep partial and full thickness burns to the upper limbs, with or without burns to the upper body, covering 10% or more of the total body surface area

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients aged 18-69 years
• had burns on the upper limb(s) with or without burns on the upper body
• burns involving ≥ 10% total body surface area (TBSA) with the presence of deep partial thickness or full thickness burns
• who agreed to take part in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• inability to perform or understand tests
• other injuries (fractures, brain injury)
• central and peripheral nervous system disorders
• amputation
• with burns on the head, hands, feet, and genital area

Patients were invited to participate in the study when they came to the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the Kaunas Clinics, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, for treatment of burns to the upper limb(s) or upper body. Data for this analysis were collected in 2020-2022.