Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Surgery

Background: disturbance of metabolism is a common sign that is largely detected after trauma or burn injury and characterized by impaired organ functioning and wound healing. The disparity in research and the necessity to add to the existing literature base led to the development of this study. Purpose: to determine if aerobic exercise can improve the metabolism after burn injury10-15% Total body surface area in the body. Methods: Thirty burn patients with 10-15% Total body surface area their age ranged from 20-40 years were selected from the inpatients burn department of Ismailia general hospital, or any hospital in Ismailia. The thirty patients were classified into two groups equal in number; each group consisted of fifteen patients. The study group received a program of aerobic exercise in addition to circulatory and respiratory exercises (group A) 3times/week for four weeks and the control group received a program of circulatory and respiratory exercises only (group B) 3times/week for four weeks. The changes in the metabolic markers were measured at the beginning of the study and after four weeks from 15 April to 15 October. The results showed that aerobic exercise had significant improvement in Total Protein (42.23%; P=0.0001 vs. 13.62%; P=0.0001), in Albumin (73.64%; P=0.0001 vs. 25%; P=0.0001), but changes in respiratory and circulatory exercise were not statistically significant in Total Protein and Albumin (P=0.0001). It was concluded that the aerobic exercise is associated with significant improvement (increase) in metabolic markers greater than respiratory and circulatory exercise in burn patients in a short term (up to four weeks)

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