Anthropometry, muscular strength and aerobic capacity up to 5 years after pediatric burns. Issue 8 (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Disseldorp, Laurien M.; Mouton, Leonora J.; Van der Woude, Lucas H.V.; Van Brussel, Marco; Nieuwenhuis, Marianne K.
• Is Part Of: Burns. Volume 41:Issue 8(2015)
• Page Start: 1839
• Page End: 1846
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Physical fitness -- Outcomes assessment -- Rehabilitation -- Exercise test -- Child -- Adolescent; Burns and scalds -- Periodicals; 617.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2015.08.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-4179

Abstract

Highlights: Muscular strength and aerobic capacity were assessed 0.5–5 years after pediatric burns 10–41% TBSA. On group level, values were within norm ranges for all variables. Individually, several subjects scored significantly outside norm ranges on ≥1 variable. No trends indicating an effect of extent of burn or time after burn on outcomes were seen. The use of a mobile exercise lab is deemed to have improved inclusion rate and feasibility. Abstract: Objective: Physical functioning is of major importance after burns in many areas of life, in both the short and the long term. This cross-sectional study aimed to describe anthropometry, muscular strength and aerobic capacity in children and adolescents between 0.5–5 years after burns over 10% TBSA. Procedures: Assessments took place in a mobile exercise lab. Demographics, burn characteristics and anthropometrics were recorded. Muscular strength in six muscle groups was measured using hand-held dynamometry and aerobic capacity was measured with a graded cardiopulmonary exercise test. Subjects' scores were compared with Dutch age- and gender-matched norm values and converted to Z -scores. Results: The assessments were completed by 24 subjects with pediatric burns ranging from 10 to 41% TBSA and time after burn from 1 to 5 years (58.3% male; 6–18 years). On group level, no significant differences between the subjects' scores and norm values were found. No trends were seen indicating an effect of extent of burn or time after burn. Individually, eight subjects (33.3%), mostly aged 6 or 7, showed significantly low performance on at least one variable: seven for strength, one for aerobic capacity and one for both. Conclusion: Anthropometry, muscular strength and aerobic capacity are adequate in the majority of Dutch children and adolescents 1–5 years after 10–41% TBSA burns.