Effect of isokinetic training on muscle strength, size and gait after healed pediatric burn: a randomized controlled study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of isokinetic training program on muscle strength, muscle size and gait parameters after healed pediatric burn.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Subjects: Thirty three pediatric burned patients with circumferential lower extremity burn with total body surface area (TBSA) ranging from 36 to 45%, and ages from 10 to 15 years participated in the study and were randomized into isokinetic group and a control group. Non-burned healthy pediatric subjects were assessed similarly to burned subjects and served as matched healthy controls.

Methods: Patients in the isokinetic group (n=16) participated in the isokinetic training program for 12 weeks for quadriceps dominant limb, 3 times per week, at angular velocity 150°/s, concentric mode of contraction, time rest between each set for 3 min, 3 sets/day and control group (n=17) participated in home based physical therapy exercise program without isokinetic.

Main measures: Assessment of quadriceps strength by isokinetic dynamometer, quadriceps size and gait parameters were performed at baseline and at the end of the training period for both groups.

Results: Patients in isokinetic group showed a significant improvement in quadriceps strength, quadriceps size and gait parameters as compared with those in the control group. Quadriceps strength and percentage of improvement was 79.25 ± 0.93 Nm (68.40%) for isokinetic group and 51.88 ± 1.31 Nm (9.84%) for the control group. Quadriceps size and percentage of improvement was 31.50 ± 0.89 cm (7.47%) for isokinetic group and 29.26 ± 1.02 cm (1.02%) for the control group. Stride length, step length, velocity and cadence and percentage of improvement for isokinetic group was 135.50 ± 2.82 (53.97%), 63.25 ± 2.97 (63.77%), 135.94 ± 1.65 (81.42%), 137.63 ± 1.36 (66.96%) and for the control group was 94.00 ± 2.69 (6.68%), 43.76 ± 1.34 (15.15%), 81.11 ± 1.91 (8.6%), 90.35 ± 1.32 (9.01%) respectively.

Conclusions: Participation in the isokinetic training program resulted in a greater improvement in quadriceps muscle strength, size and gait parameters in pediatric burn.

Keywords: Gait; Isokinetic strength; Pediatric burn; Rehabilitation.