Exercise training to improve health related quality of life in long term survivors of major burn injury: A matched controlled study

ObjectivePatients often experience reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL) following burn injury. Exercise training has been demonstrated to improve HRQOL in a number of clinical populations, yet it is unknown whether exercise can improve HRQOL in burns patients.ProceduresNine burn-injured participants (42 ± 18.38%TBSA: 6.56 ± 3.68 years after injury) and 9 matched controls participated in a 12-week exercise programme. HRQOL was assessed via the Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B) and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form (SF-36). Activity limitation was measured using the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH).ResultsThe burns group had decreased HRQOL compared to the controls at baseline, as reported by the BSHS-B (t (16) = 3.51, p = 0.003) and some domains of the SF-36 including role physical (t (16) = 3.79, p = 0.002). Burned participants reported decreased activity levels compared to the controls as measured by the QuickDASH (t (16) = 2.19, p = 0.044). Exercise training improved SF-36 scores in both burn (t (8) = 3.77, p = 0.005) and control groups (t (8) = 2.71, p = 0.027). Following training there was no difference between the groups on the SF-36 or QuickDASH.ConclusionExercise training improves HRQOL and activity limitations in burn-injured patients to a level that is equivalent to that of their uninjured counterparts.