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

ObjectiveThe 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.DesignRandomized controlled trial.SubjectsThirty 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.MethodsPatients 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 measuresAssessment 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.ResultsPatients 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.ConclusionsParticipation in the isokinetic training program resulted in a greater improvement in quadriceps muscle strength, size and gait parameters in pediatric burn.