Back geometry and mobility function changes in cerebral palsy children after backward walking training: arandomized controlled trial.

AIM: To compare the effects of backward (BW) and forward (FW) walking training on back geometry and mobility function in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: Fifty-five children with hemiparetic CP participated in this study. They were randomly assigned into two groups. For 12 weeks, both groups got a conventional physical therapy program three days/week. Groups A and B got a specifically developed FW walking training (25 minutes/session) and a specially designed BW walking training (25 minutes/session), respectively. RESULTS: The trunk imbalance, lateral deviation, pelvic tilting, pelvic torsion, surface motion, and dynamic gait index of group B improved significantly more than group A (p < .05). Both groups showed significant improvements in all measured variables (p < .05). CONCLUSION: BW walking training might be considered as an effective therapy modality for improving back geometry and mobility function in hemiparetic CP children compared with FW walking training combined with a typical program.

The Effect Of Gender On Vastus Medialis Oblique/Vastus Lateralis Activation Ratio During Weight And Non-Weight Bearing Activities In Recreationally Subjects.

Objectives: To investigate the effect of gender on the activation ratio of vastus medialis oblique to vastus lateralis during straight leg raising and stepdown activities. Method: The cross-sectionalstudy was conducted at the College of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, Taibah University, Medina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from September 2021 to March 2022, and comprised recreationally active subjects without knee pathology who were distributed in 2 gender-based groups. All the participants were subjected to straight leg raising and stepdown activitiesthrice and the average value of each activity was noted. The vastus medialis oblique and vastus lateralis electromyographic activity of the dominant limb was recorded using surface electromyography during the activities. The normalised value of the activation ratio of vastus medialis oblique to vastus lateralis levels was calculated. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. RESULTS: Of the 60 subjects, there were 30(50%) males with mean age 30.00±5.91 years, mean height 167±5.63cm, mean body weight 66.76±6.14kg, and mean body mass index 23.97±3.02kg/m2 . There were 30(50%) females with mean age 29.03±5.34 years, mean height 186±6.20cm, mean body weight 68.5±5.6 kg and mean body mass index 23.76±3.22 kg/m2 . There was no significant difference in the normalized electromyography activities of the vastus medialis oblique and vastuslateralis muscles between males and females(p>0.05). Also, no significant difference was found in the activation ratio between the genders (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There were no gender-based differencesin the activation ratio of vastus medialis oblique to vastuslateralis during weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing activities.

The prevalence of low back pain and risk factors in academic teaching staff at King Abdulaziz University Jeddah:\\ A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorder symptoms affecting adults' health in the workplace including academic settings. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of LBP among academic teaching staff at King Abdulaziz University, as well as to identify its socio-demographic and work-related risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used to estimate the prevalence of LBP and the risk factors in 123 academic teaching staff members at King Abdulaziz University. Data on LBP history and disability using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), work-related and socio-demographic characteristics of study participants were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The prevalence of low back pain data was analyzed using frequency and percentage descriptive statistics, and Chi-square was used to identify group differences. RESULTS: A total of 123 academic teaching staff with a mean age of 37.5 years old of whom 79 (64.2%) were females and 44 (35.8%) were males completed a self-administrative questionnaire. Using a self-rating scale, approximately a quarter of academic teaching staff had moderate disability 25.2%; 4.9% had a severe disability; only one subject 0.8% was crippled. There has been a significant relationship between the number of years of experience and the extent of low back disability (P < 0.05). The Chi-square test revealed 56.3% of takes part with 11-15 years of experience have moderate disability relative to those with 0-5 years of experience (11.1%). There was a trend towards significance among academic teaching staff for the effect of the faculty stream on low back disability (P = 0.077, Chi-square test revealed teaching staff in the medical stream had the highest percentage of participates with minimal disability (78.7%) whereas in the scientific stream had the lowest percentage of minimal disability (52%). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study have shown that there is a major problem of low back pain among academic staff at King Abdulaziz University and that the situation in other higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia is changing.

Effects of smartphone screen viewing duration and body position on head and neck posture in elementary school children.

BACKGROUND: Electronic media have become integral parts of modern life, in which prolonged screen viewing time (SVT) by children is nearly unavoidable. Prolonged use of smartphones could lead to musculoskeletal problems. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of SVT on head and neck posture during and after using smartphones for various periods of time in either standing or sitting postures. METHODS: This observational study included 34 male children aged 5-12 years who were assigned to one of two groups based on average smartphone use duration per day: group A comprised 18 children averaging > 4 hours per day (h/day) of smartphone use, and group B comprised 16 children with < 4 h/day of smartphone use. The children's postures were photographed in standing and sitting positions while using a smartphone and 30 min after ceasing smartphone use. The head flexion, neck flexion, gaze, and craniocervical angles were measured using the software program Kinovea. RESULTS: Significant increases were found in head flexion, neck flexion, and gaze angles. Furthermore, both groups saw a significant decrease in craniocervical angle when sitting compared to when standing, both during and 30 min after smartphone use. The head flexion, neck flexion, and gaze angles of group A were significantly higher than those of group B, and the craniocervical angle of group A was significantly lower than that of group B in both postures (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: SVT is associated with increased neck and head flexion posture in children, especially in a sitting position.

Ankle and foot mechanics in individuals with chronic ankle instability during shod walking and barefoot walking: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the angular kinematic and moment of the ankle and foot during shod walking and barefoot walking in individuals with unilateral chronic ankle instability (CAI). METHODS: Recreational soccer players with unilateral CAI were recruited for this cross sectional study conducted between January and August 2019. A total of 40 participants were screened for eligibility but only 31 met the inclusion criteria based on the methods of Delahunt et al and Gribble et al. Except for 3 participants not attending the evaluation session, 28 participants were finally included. A three dimensional motion analysis system made up of ProReflex motion capture unit and an AMTIb Kistler force plate, embedded in the middle of nine meter walkway, were used to assess the ankle and foot angles and moment during shod walking and barefoot walking conditions. A Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 20.0) was used to analyze data. RESULTS: During shod walking, the ankle joint plantar-flexion range of motion (ROM) at 10% of the gait cycle (GC) and dorsiflexion ROM at 30% of the GC were significantly higher than those during barefoot walking for both feet (p = 0.001, 0.001, 0.027, and 0.036 respectively). The inversion ROM during shod walking was significantly higher than that during barefoot walking for both feet at 10% and 30% of the GC (p = 0.001. 0.001, 0.001, and 0.042 respectively). At 10% of the GC, the eversion moment was significantly higher between barefoot and shod walking for both feet (both p = 0.001). At 30% of the GC, there was no significant difference between shod and barefoot walking plantar-flexion moment of both feet (p = 0.975 and 0.763 respectively), and the eversion moment of both feet (p = 0.116 and 0.101 respectively). CONCLUSION: At the early stance, shod walking increases the ankle plantar-flexion and foot inversion ROM, and decreases the eversion moment for both feet in subjects with unilateral CAI. Therefore, the foot wearing condition should be considered during evaluation of ankle and foot kinematics and kinetics.

Backward walking alters vastus medialis oblique/vastus lateralis muscle activity ratio in females with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine the effect of backward walking (BW) and forward walking (FW) on the myoelectric activity ratio of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO)/vastus lateralis (VL) in females with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between September 2016 and December 2016, a total of 40 female participants (mean age 20.9±1.9 years; range, 19 to 26 years) were included in the study. The participants were divided into two groups as those with unilateral PFPS (PFPS group, n=20) and healthy controls (Control group, n=20). Surface electromyography (EMG) from VMO and VL muscles were collected during FW and BW at a speed of 3 km/h using the Myomonitor® IV EMG system. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the EMG activities of the VMO and VL muscles during BW compared to FW in PFPS and healthy groups (p=0.001). During BW, the VMO activity of PFPS was significantly higher than the healthy controls (p=0.013) without any significant difference in the VL activity (p=0.916). During FW, there was no significant difference in the VMO and VL activities between the groups (p=0.348 and p=0.705), respectively. The VMO/VL ratio of the PFPS group during BW was significantly higher than the FW ratio (p=0.001) without any significant difference between BW and FW of the healthy group (p=0.841). During BW, the ratio of the PFPS group was significantly higher than compared to the healthy controls (p=0.016) without any significant difference between the groups during FW (p=0.100). CONCLUSION: Our study results show that BW increases the VMO muscle activation and preserve the ideal VMO/VL ratio in PFPS patients. Therefore, clinicians should consider BW training when developing rehabilitation programs for females with PFPS.

Isokinetic peak torque and flexibility changes of the hamstring muscles after eccentric training: Trained versus untrained subjects.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of eccentric isotonic training on hamstring flexibility and eccentric and concentric isokinetic peak torque in trained and untrained subjects. METHODS: Sixty healthy subjects (mean age: 21.66 ± 2.64) were divided into three equal groups, each with 20 voluntary participants. Two experimental groups (untrained and trained groups) participated in a hamstring eccentric isotonic strengthening program (five days/week) for a six-week period and one control group that was not involved in the training program. The passive knee extension range of motion and hamstring eccentric and concentric isokinetic peak torque were measured at angular velocities 60° and 120°/s for all groups before and after the training period. RESULTS: Two-way analysis of variance showed that there was a significant increase in the hamstring flexibility of the untrained and trained groups (25.65 ± 6.32°, 26.55 ± 5.99°, respectively), (p < 0.05) without a significant increase in the control group (31.55 ± 5.84°), (p > 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant increase in eccentric isokinetic peak torque of both the untrained and trained groups (127.25 ± 22.60Nm, 139.65 ± 19.15Nm, 125.40 ± 21.61Nm, 130.90 ± 18.71Nm, respectively), (p < 0.05) without a significant increase in the control group (109.15 ± 20.89Nm, 105.70 ± 21.31Nm, respectively), (p > 0.05) at both angular velocities. On the other hand, there was no significant increase in the concentric isokinetic peak torque of the three groups (92.50 ± 20.50Nm, 79.05 ± 18.95Nm, 92.20 ± 21.96Nm, 79.85 ± 18.97Nm, 100.45 ± 25.78Nm, 83.40 ± 23.73Nm, respectively), (p > 0.05) at both angular velocities. The change scores in the hamstring flexibility (06.25 ± 1.86°) and eccentric peak torque of the untrained group (16.60 ± 4.81Nm, 17.45 ± 5.40Nm, respectively) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of the trained group (03.40 ± 1.14°, 9.90 ± 5.14Nm, 9.80 ± 7.57Nm, respectively), and the control group (00.90 ± 2.10°, 0.60 ± 2.93Nm, 1.40 ± 3.53Nm, respectively), at both angular velocities. Meanwhile, the change scores of the concentric peak torques of the three groups (1.15 ± 1.50Nm, -0.15 ± 2.16Nm, 1.35 ± 1.63Nm, 0.20 ± 2.95Nm, 0.60 ± 2.28Nm, -0.30 ± 2.25Nm) were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: After a six-week period of eccentric isotonic training, the hamstring eccentric peak torque and flexibility of trained and untrained groups improved without changes in the concentric peak torque. Moreover, the improvement of untrained subjects was higher than trained subjects. These findings may be helpful in designing the hamstring rehabilitation program.

Effect of a physiotherapy rehabilitation program on knee osteoarthritis in patients with different pain intensities.

[Purpose] To examine the effect of physiotherapy rehabilitation program on moderate knee osteoarthritis in patients with different pain intensities. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty subjects (37 men and 23 women) with moderate knee osteoarthritis participated in the current study. Randomization software was used to select the participating subjects' numbers from the clinic records. They were classified into three groups according to pain intensity: mild, moderate, and severe pain groups. All groups underwent a standard set of pulsed electromagnetic field, ultrasound, stretching exercises, and strengthening exercises. Pain intensity, knee range of motion, knee function, and isometric quadriceps strength were evaluated using the visual analogue scale, universal goniometer, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index, and Jamar hydraulic dynamometer, respectively. The evaluation was performed before and after a 4-week rehabilitation program. [Results] All groups showed significant differences in pain intensity, knee range of motion, isometric quadriceps strength, and knee function. The score change in moderate pain group was significantly greater than those in mild and severe pain groups. [Conclusion] Pain intensity is one of the prominent factors that are responsible for the improvement of knee osteoarthritis. Consequently, pain intensity should be considered during rehabilitation of knee osteoarthritis.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CORE ENDURANCE AND BACK DYSFUNCTION IN COLLEGIATE MALE ATHLETES WITH AND WITHOUT NONSPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity and sports can be associated with low back pain. However, little is known about the relationship between core stability and nonspecific low back pain (LBP) among athletes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between core endurance and back dysfunction in collegiate male athletes with and without nonspecific LBP. METHODS: Fifty-five male collegiate athletes from a variety of sports were recruited for this study. Their mean age was 21.50 ± (2.54) years, mean weight was 70.96 ± (5.33) kg., and mean height was 174.38 ± (4.37) cm. Thirty athletes with non-specific LBP and twenty five healthy athletes were assessed using McGill's anterior, posterior, and left and right plank core endurance tests (seconds) and for dysfunction using the Micheli functional scale (MFS). Pearson's product moment correlations examined the relationships between core endurance and MFS. RESULTS: There were significant differences regarding the measured core endurance tests between the healthy athletes group and the nonspecific LBP group (p < 0.05). Additionally, good negative (r = -0.794) and moderate negative (r = -0.541) correlations were found between MFS and trunk extensor and flexor endurance tests, respectively in the group with nonspecific LBP. CONCLUSION: The results of this study imply that poor core endurance is likely associated with nonspecific LBP in collegiate athletes. Injury risk reduction and back management programs for the athletic population should include strategies that emphasize endurance of the core muscles especially the trunk extensors and flexors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.

Exercise training and postural correction improve upper extremity symptoms among touchscreen smartphone users.

BACKGROUND: Repetitive movements and poor posture are associated with over-use of smartphones when texting or playing games and significantly contribute to the symptoms of pain and discomfort in the upper extremities. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of exercise training and postural correction on disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH), hand grip and key pinch strength among smartphone users. METHODS: One hundred university students were randomly divided into two groups; the experimental group participated in a 12-week programme of exercise training and postural corrections. The control group were instructed to follow their usual routine for smartphone utilization. Measurements of DASH scores, hand grip strength, and key pinch grip strength were conducted before and after 12 weeks for both groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the start values of both groups for DASH scores, hand grip strength, and key pinch strength (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant improvement in all outcomes measured in the experimental group (p < 0.05), with significant changes in the outcomes of the control group. CONCLUSION: Postural correction combined with a selected exercise training programme improved the hand grip, key pinch grip strength, and upper extremity disability and symptoms associated with smartphone use among university students.

Backpack carriage effect on head posture and ground reaction forces in school children.

BACKGROUND: Carrying the school bag may lead to forward leaning of the head and trunk which may result in spinal deformities. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of carrying a backpack on neck angles and ground reaction forces (GRFs) in children. METHODS: 3-D motion analysis system, with a force plate, was used to examine the effect of carrying backpack on neck angles and GRFs of thirty children with mean age (10.06 ± 1.31 years), mean weight (34.56 ± 6.9 kg), and mean height (138.63 ± 9.82 cm). The unloaded posture was compared with posture when carrying a backpack. The static test was used to assess the three angles of the neck, and the dynamic test was used to assess the GRFs. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the craniohorizontal angle and shoulder sagittal posture between carrying backpack and without backpack (p = 0.153 and 0.272) respectively. There was a significant decrease in the craniovertebral angle in carrying backpack than without backpack (p = 0.032). There was a significant increase in GRFs values in carrying backpack than without backpack (p < 0.032). CONCLUSION: Carrying backpack with a load 7.5% of the child's body weight alters the head posture and GRFs values.

Effect of backward walking training on postural balance in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of additional backward walking training on postural control in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. DESIGN: Randomized controlled study. SETTING: Physical therapy clinics. SUBJECTS: Thirty spastic hemiparetic cerebral palsied children of both sexes (10-14 years, 14 girls and 16 boys). INTERVENTION: Children were randomly assigned into two equal groups: experimental and control groups. Both groups received a traditional physical therapy program for 12 weeks. Experimental group additionally received backward walking training which was provided 25 min/day, 3 days/week for 3 successive months. OUTCOME MEASURES: Baseline and post-treatment assessment for overall, anteroposterior, and mediolateral stability indices were evaluated by using Biodex balance system. RESULTS: After treatment; two way ANOVA revealed significant improvement in overall, anteroposterior and mediolateral stability indices of experimental group at the most stable level (level 12) and moderately unstable level (level 7) (1.40 ± 0.44 and 1.73 ± 0.51; 1.11 ± 0.34 and 2.13 ± 0.52; 1.93 ± 0.51 and 2.68 ± 0.52) respectively, than control group (1.77 ± 0.44 and 2.17 ± 0.56; 1.44 ± 0.44 and 2.54 ± 0.49; 2.39 ± 0.65 and 3.11 ± 0.49) respectively, (P < 0.05). There were significant improvement in all measured variables for both groups at both levels (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Additional backward walking training to traditional physical therapy program yields improvement in postural stability indices in children with spastic hemiparetic cerebral palsy than traditional physical therapy alone.

Isokinetic imbalance of hip muscles in soccer players with osteitis pubis.

In this study, we compared the isokinetic torques of hip flexors/extensors and abductors/adductors in soccer players suffering from osteitis pubis (OP), with normal soccer players. Twenty soccer male athletes with OP and 20 normal soccer athletes were included in this study. Peak torque/body weight (PT/BW) was recorded from hip flexor/extensor and abductor/adductor muscles during isokinetic concentric contraction modes at angular velocity of 2.1 rad · s(-1), for both groups. The results showed a significant difference between the normal and OP groups for hip flexors (P < 0.05). The normal group had significant, lower PT/BW value than the OP group for their hip flexors (P < 0.05). The hip flexor/extensor PT ratio of OP affected and non-affected limbs was significantly different from that of normal dominant and non-dominant limbs. There were no significant differences between the normal and OP groups for hip extensor, adductor and abductor muscles (P > 0.05). Regarding the hip adductor/abductor PT ratio, there was no significant difference between the normal and OP groups of athletes (P > 0.05). The OP group displayed increase in hip flexor strength that disturbed the hip flexor/extensor torque ratio of OP. Therefore, increasing the hip extensor strength should be part of rehabilitation programmes of patients with OP.

Concentric and eccentric strength of trunk muscles in osteitis pubis soccer players.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Osteitis pubis refers to a painful, inflammatory condition involving the pubic bones, pubic symphysis, and adjacent structures. So, the aims of the study were to evaluate the strength of trunk muscles of soccer players suffering from osteitis pubis, and to compare the agonist/antagonist ratio of trunk muscles in osteitis pubis athletes with that of healthy athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five soccer male athletes with osteitis pubis, and 25 healthy soccer athletes. Peak torque/body weight (PT/BW) was recorded from trunk muscles during isokinetic concentric and eccentric contraction modes at a speed of 120°/s for healthy and osteitis pubis soccer players. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in concentric contraction of back muscles in osteitis pubis group (p=0.01). A significant decrease in eccentric contraction of abdominal muscles was also recorded in osteitis pubis group (p=0.008). Concentric abdominal/back muscles ratio was significantly higher in osteitis pubis group (p=0.016), with no significant difference in eccentric abdominal/back muscles ratio between both groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Osteitis pubis group displayed concentric weakness of back muscle and eccentric weakness of abdominal muscles that lead to disturbance of the normal concentric abdominal/back ratio.

Chronic ankle instability alters eccentric eversion/inversion and dorsiflexion/plantarflexion ratio.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the eccentric evertor/invertor and dorsiflexor/plantar-flexor ratio are altered in subjects with chronic ankle instability. METHODS: Twenty chronic ankle instability (CAI) subjects as an experimental group, and twenty healthy subjects as a control group, were matched in age, gender, and activity level. CAI subjects have a history of at least one ankle sprain and repeated episodes of giving way were included in CAI group. Subjects with no prior history of ankle injury were included in the control group. Ankle evertor/invertor and dorsiflexor/plantar-flexor muscles eccentric torque ratios were measured using the eccentric muscle contraction at angular velocities 60 and 120°/s. RESULTS: Analysis of variance revealed that the eccentric contraction eversion/inversion ratio of CAI group was significantly lower than normal group ratio at angular velocities 60 and 120°/s (p=0.041 and 0.012) respectively. The eccentric contraction dorsiflexion/plantarflexion ratio of CAI group was significantly higher than normal group ratio at both angular velocities (p=0.036 and 0.013) respectively. Moreover, at angular velocities of 60°/s and 120°/s a deficit in inversion and eversion eccentric torques were identified in CAI group (p=0.000), plantarflexion torque deficit of CAI group (p=0.034 and 0.028), respectively, and no deficit was identified for dorsiflexion torque of CAI group (p=0.595 and 0.696) respectively. CONCLUSION: Chronic ankle instability increases the dorsiflexion/plantarflexion muscles torque ratio and decreases the eversion/inversion ratio at angular velocities 60 and 120°/s. Therefore, the restoration of a normal eccentric inversion, eversion, and plantarflexion strength may prevent recurrent lateral ankle ligament sprain.

Plantar-flexor Static Stretch Training Effect on Eccentric and Concentric Peak Torque - A comparative Study of Trained versus Untrained Subjects.

The aim of this study was to examine the long-term effects of static stretching of the plantar-flexor muscles on eccentric and concentric torque and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in healthy subjects. Seventy five healthy male volunteers, with no previous history of trauma to the calf that required surgery, absence of knee flexion contracture and no history of neurologic dysfunction or disease, systemic disease affecting the lower extremities were selected for this study. The participants were divided into three equal groups. The control group did not stretch the plantar-flexor muscles. Two Experimental groups (trained and untrained) were instructed to perform static stretching exercise of 30 second duration and 5 repetitions twice daily. The stretching sessions were carried out 5 days a week for 6 weeks. The dorsiflexion range of motion was measured in all subjects. Also measured was the eccentric and concentric torque of plantar-flexors at angular velocities of 30 and 120°/s pre and post stretching. Analysis of variance showed a significant increase in plantar-flexor eccentric and concentric torque (p < 0.05) of trained and untrained groups, and an increase in dorsiflexion range of motion (p < 0.05) at both angular velocities for the untrained group only. The static stretching program of plantar-flexors was effective in increasing the concentric and eccentric plantarflexion torque at angular velocities of 30 and 120°/s. Increases in plantar-flexors flexibility were observed in untrained subjects.

Effect of isokinetic training on quadriceps peak torgue in healthy subjects and patients with burn injury.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the improvement rate of quadriceps muscle peak torque in healthy subjects and patients with burn injuries after an isokinetic training programme. SUBJECTS: Thirty male volunteers, 15 healthy and 15 subjects with burn injury after complete healing, participated in the study. METHODS: Concentric and eccentric torque of quadriceps was measured for both groups using an isokinetic dynamometer before and after 6 weeks of isokinetic training. The tests were performed at angular velocities of 30°/s and 90°/s. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the quadricep speak torque for both groups at both angular velocities after isokinetic training. During eccentric contraction at angular velocities of 30°/s and 90°/s the percentage improvement in the burned group was higher than in the healthy group(p = 0.003 and p = 0.0008, respectively). During concentric contraction at an angular velocity of 30°/s the percentage improvement in the burned group was higher than the healthy group (p = 0.020). However, during concentric contraction at an angular velocity of 90°/s there was no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.742). CONCLUSION: The isokinetic training programme was effective in increasing the concentric and eccentric peak torque of the quadriceps muscle for healthy subjects and patients with burn injuries.