Understanding return-to-employment experiences after burns: Qualitative scoping review findings.

INTRODUCTION: Participation in work and employment is a milestone of adulthood. People returning to work after burn injury may have physical, psychological, social, and environmental barriers to overcome in order to resume their pre-injury employment. The aim of this paper is to evaluate qualitative findings regarding return-to-employment after burn injury. METHODS: A qualitative synthesis was conducted based on the qualitative findings of an earlier mixed methods review. A pre-determined scoping review protocol was used in the earlier review to search MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, CCRCT, and CDSR databases between 2000 and Aug 2021. Any papers presenting qualitative data from previously employed adults with cutaneous burn injuries were included. FINDINGS: A total of 20 papers with qualitative data on return-to-employment after burn injury were found. Only six included studies focused on return-to-employment outcomes and the remaining studies reporting on quality of life and life experiences after burn injury. Common themes included impairments that develop and change over time; occupational identity and meaning; temporal aspects of burn recovery; burn rehabilitation services and interventions; attitudes, knowledge and support of service providers; workplace environments supporting work re-engagement after burn injury; usefulness of work accommodations; family and social supports, individuals attributes that influence re-engaging in employment; and accepting and rebuilding. CONCLUSION: Resumption of work after burn injury is regarded as a key marker of recovery for working-aged adults by burn survivors and burn care professionals. Support at transition points during the burn recovery process and peer-led programmes were important. However, limited information currently exists regarding clinical practices, service gaps, and understanding of return-to-employment outcomes after burn injury.

Effect of anti-gravity treadmill (Alter G) training on gait characteristics and postural stability in adult with healed burns: A single blinded randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Burns constitute one of the foremost contributors to premature mortality and morbidity, and the recovery process from burn injuries is characterized by its intricate and protracted nature. OBJECTIVE: The principal aim of this study was to assess the influence of an anti-gravity treadmill (Alter G) training program on both gait characteristics and postural stability indices (PSI) in adult individuals who have recovered from burns. DESIGN: This study followed a single-blind, randomized, controlled design. METHODS: A total of 45 adults, aged 18-35 years, with healed lower extremity burns that were circumferential and encompassed 35-50% of their total body surface area (TBSA) were randomly allocated to either the anti-gravity treadmill (Alter G) Training group (n = 22) or the traditional physical therapy program (TPTP) group (n=23). The TPTP group received conventional physical therapy, while the anti-gravity treadmill (Alter G) training group engaged in anti-gravity treadmill exercises alongside the traditional physical therapy program. The primary outcome measures, evaluated at both baseline and the conclusion of the 12-week intervention, included gait characteristics assessed using the GAITRite system and PSI measured by the Biodex Balance System (BBS). RESULTS: The anti-gravity treadmill (Alter G) training group exhibited significantly greater enhancements than the TPTP group in terms of mean values and percentage changes in gait characteristics and PSI. Specifically, the percentage changes for the Alter G group were as follows: stride length (20.57%), step time (22.58%), step length (20.47%), velocity (15.67%), cadence (23.28%), and double support time (29.03%). In contrast, the TPTP group's percentage changes were: 6.73%, 8.19%, 7.65%, 7.75%, 8.89%, and 9.37%, respectively. Concerning PSI, the Alter G group exhibited percentage changes of 55.17% for the medio-lateral stability index (MLI), 48.21% for antero-posterior stability index (API), and 48.48% for the overall stability index (OSI). The TPTP group's corresponding percentage changes were 20%, 14.03%, and 16.41%. CONCLUSIONS: The amalgamation of anti-gravity treadmill training with the traditional physical therapy program yields greater efficacy than TPTP in isolation. Consequently, the findings underscore the efficiency of anti-gravity treadmill (Alter G) Training as a valuable tool for rehabilitating patients with burn injuries.

Las redes sociales: nuevos desafíos en el tratamiento del niño quemado / Social media: new challenges in pediatric burn treatment

Introducción y objetivo: El uso de las redes sociales está ampliamente difundido en los adolescentes y es sin duda una de las formas más comunes de vinculación social con sus pares. La información e imágenes utilizadas para construir el perfil se seleccionan para favorecer lo que se quiere mostrar de cada uno. Las secuelas estéticas del paciente quemado tradicionalmente han sido motivo de preocupación para el cirujano plástico. El amplio uso de las redes sociales ha aumentado notablemente la exposición física, por lo tanto, nos preguntamos cómo influyen las secuelas visibles de las quemaduras en esta forma de relación entre adolescentes. Material y método: Identificamos los niños quemados asistidos en el centro de referencia para el tratamiento de quemaduras pediátricas de Uruguay (UNIQUER) entre 2015 y 2022 con lesiones de gravedad funcional o vital. Seleccionamos aquellos que en el momento de realizar este estudio tuvieran 10 o más años de edad. Confeccionamos un cuestionario digital (Google Forms) que enviamos por mensajería instantánea (Whatsapp) previa autorización de un adulto responsable, y analizamos los datos recuperados. Resultados: Reunimos 51 pacientes que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión, de los cuales logramos contactar con 32 y obtuvimos 22 respuestas al cuestionario, con edades entre 10 y 19 años. Todos presentaban cicatrices: 9 en cara o cuello (40.9%) y 9 en manos (40.9 %); el resto en zonas menos visibles. De ellos, 17 (77.3 %) requirieron autoinjertos en el episodio agudo y 7 (31.8%) cirugías para tratamiento de secuelas.Encontramos 21 niños (95.4%) que utilizaban al menos una red social. En orden decreciente de frecuencia, la más utilizada era Whatsapp (17, 81%), Tik Tok (13, 61.9%), Instagram (9, 42.9%), Facebook (5, 23.8%), Twitter (3, 14.3%) y otra (3, 14.3%). Además, 18 niños (85.7%) no posteaban fotos con sus cicatrices y 5 (23.8%) utilizaban efectos siempre o algunas veces para disimular sus cicatrices en redes...(AU)

Background and objective: Social media is widely used by teenagers, in fact, it represents one of the main means of communication between them. The images used to construct a profile are specially selected in order to show only what they want to share about themselves. Aesthetic sequelae after burns have traditionally been a concern for reconstructive surgeons. We would like to find out if visible sequelae influence the way these patients interact with social media given the vast physical exposure that they include. Methods: Burned children with severe vital o functional injuries treated between 2015 and 2022 in the national reference center for pediatric burn treatment in Uruguay (UNIQUER) were identified. Those aged 10 or above were selected. We designed a digi-tal form (Google Forms) that was sent by instant messaging (Whatsapp) to the selected population with an adult previous authorization and we analyzed the collected data. Results: Fifty-one patients met the inclusion criteria, we contacted 32 and obtained 22 responses to the questionnaire; patients aged between 10 and 19 years. All had scars: 9 in face or neck (40.9%) and 9 in hands (40.9 %). The rest of the scars were in less visible places. Of them, 17 (77.3%) required autografts in the acute episode and 7 (31.8%) required surgeries to treat sequelae. We found 21 children (95.4%) who used at least one social network.The most used was Whatsapp (17,81%), Tik Tok (13,61.9%), Instagram (9,42.9%), Facebook (5,23.8%), Twitter (3,14.3%) and other (3,14.3%). Furthermore, 18 children (85.7%) do not post photos with their scars and 5 (23.8%) always or sometimes used effects to hide their scars on social networks. Of the total, 12 patients (54.5%) reported having felt discrimination because of their scars and 9 (40.9%) had been victims of bullying; 14 (63.6%) would be interested in participating in campaigns to prevent discrimination against people with scars...(AU)

[Construction of the burn rehabilitation system].

Burn rehabilitation is an important part of burn discipline. As the goal of burn treatment has changed from saving lives and wound elimination to high-quality recovery of body function, burn rehabilitation has been integrated into all levels of burn treatment. In clinical practice, with the establishment of the concept of early preventive rehabilitation, the remodeling of the concept of functional reconstruction in wound repair, and the clarity of the concept of overall rehabilitation, the concept of burn rehabilitation has changed fundamentally. Burn rehabilitation system is not a simple accumulation of directional medical technologies, but an additive expression of multiple medical technologies, covering multi-disciplinary content, including the introduction and application of interdisciplinary new technologies, and involvement of subspecialties. Burn rehabilitation runs throughout the whole process of burn treatment, including early body positioning, later targeted physical and chemical treatments, and even the neurocognitive treatment, which is accompanied by the evaluation of rehabilitation quality throughout the entire process of rehabilitation.

[A randomized controlled trial on the effect of exercise prescription based on a progressive mode in treating elderly patients with lower limb dysfunction after deep burns].

Objective: To explore the effect of exercise prescription based on a progressive mode in treating elderly patients with lower limb dysfunction after deep burns. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. From January 2021 to January 2023, 60 elderly patients with lower limb dysfunction after deep burns who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. The patients were divided into conventional rehabilitation group (30 cases, 17 males and 13 females, aged (65±3) years) and combined rehabilitation group (30 cases, 16 males and 14 females, aged (64±3) years) according to the random number table. For patients in both groups, the red-light treatment was started after the lower limb wounds healed or when the total area of scattered residual wounds was less than 1% of the total body surface area. After 2 weeks of red-light treatment, the patients in conventional rehabilitation group were given conventional rehabilitation treatments, including joint stretching, resistance, and balance training; in addition to conventional rehabilitation treatments, the patients in combined rehabilitation group were given exercise prescription training based on a progressive mode three times a week, mainly including dumbbell press, Bobath ball horizontal support, and high-level pulldown trainings. The training time for patients in both groups was 12 weeks. Before training (after 2 weeks of red-light treatment) and after 12 weeks of training, the upper limb and lower limb motor functions of the patients were evaluated using the simple Fugl-Meyer scale, the physical fitness of patients was evaluated using the simple physical fitness scale, and the patient's risk of falling was evaluated by the time consumed for the timed up and go test. The adverse events of patients that occurred during training were recorded. After 12 weeks of training, a self-designed satisfaction survey was conducted to investigate patients' satisfaction with the training effect. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, paired sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and chi-square test. Results: Before training, the scores of upper limb and lower limb motor functions of patients between the two groups were similar (P>0.05). After 12 weeks of training, the scores of upper limb motor function of patients in conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group were significantly higher than those before training (with t values of -11.42 and -13.67, respectively, P<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The score of lower limb motor function of patients in combined rehabilitation group was 28.9±2.6, which was significantly higher than 26.3±2.6 in conventional rehabilitation group (t=-3.90, P<0.05), and the scores of lower limb motor function of patients in conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group were significantly higher than those before training (with t values of -4.14 and -6.94, respectively, P<0.05). Before training, the individual and total scores of physical fitness of patients between the two groups were similar (P>0.05). After 12 weeks of training, the balance ability score, walking speed score, chair sitting score, and total score of physical fitness of patients in conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group were significantly increased compared with those before training (with Z values of -4.38, -3.55, -3.88, -4.65, -4.58, -4.68, -4.42, and -4.48, respectively, P<0.05), and the balance ability score, walking speed score, chair sitting score, and total score of physical fitness of patients in combined rehabilitation group were significantly increased compared with those in conventional rehabilitation group (with Z values of -3.93, -3.41, -3.19, and -5.33, P<0.05). Before training, the time consumed for the timed up and go test for patient's risk of falling in the two groups was close (P>0.05). After 12 weeks of training, the time consumed for the timed up and go test for patient's risk of falling in combined rehabilitation group was (28.0±2.1) s, which was significantly shorter than (30.5±1.8) s in conventional rehabilitation group (t=4.94, P<0.05). Moreover, the time consumed for the timed up and go test for patient's risk of falling in both conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group was significantly shorter than that before training (with t values of 14.80 and 15.86, respectively, P<0.05). During the training period, no adverse events such as muscle tissue strain, edema, or falling occurred in any patient. After 12 weeks of training, the satisfaction score of patients with the training effect in combined rehabilitation group was 13.5±1.2, which was significantly higher than 8.5±1.4 in conventional rehabilitation group (t=21.78, P<0.05). Conclusions: The exercise prescription training based on a progressive mode can significantly promote the recovery of lower limb motor function and physical fitness of elderly patients with lower limb dysfunction after deep burns, and effectively reduce the patient's risk of falling without causing adverse events during the training period, resulting in patient's high satisfaction with the training effect.

[Prospective study on the effects of resistance training with elastic band at home on muscle function and walking ability of severely burned children].

Objective: To explore the effects of resistance training with elastic band at home on muscle function and walking ability of severely burned children. Methods: A prospective non-randomized controlled study was conducted. From January 2022 to April 2023, 40 children with severe burns who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University & Wuhan Third Hospital. According to the willingness of the children or their families, the children were assigned to conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group. During the study, 8 children dropped out of the study, 17 children were finally included in the conventional rehabilitation group with 6 males and 11 females, aged (8.5±2.4) years, and 15 children were included in the combined rehabilitation group with 5 males and 10 females, aged (9.6±2.5) years. The children in the 2 groups received conventional burn rehabilitation treatment in the hospital, including active and passive activity training, scar massage, and pressure therapy. The children in combined rehabilitation group received resistance training with elastic band of 3 to 5 times per week after discharge, and the children in conventional rehabilitation group received daily activity ability training after discharge. Before home rehabilitation training (1 week before discharge) and 12 weeks after home rehabilitation training, the grip strength was measured using a handheld grip dynamometer, the muscle strengths of the upper and lower limbs were measured using a portable dynamometer for muscle strength, lean body mass was measured by bioelectrical impedance measuring instrument, and the 6-min walking distance was measured. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, paired sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, or Fisher's exact probability test. Results: After 12 weeks of home rehabilitation training, the grip strengths of children in combined rehabilitation group and conventional rehabilitation group were (15±4) and (11±4) kg, respectively, which were significantly higher than (10±4) and (9±4) kg before home rehabilitation training (with t values of -9.99 and -11.89, respectively, P values all <0.05); the grip strength of children in combined rehabilitation group was significantly higher than that in conventional rehabilitation group (t=3.24, P<0.05). After 12 weeks of home rehabilitation training, the muscle strengths of upper and lower limbs of children in combined rehabilitation group (with t values of -11.39 and -3.40, respectively, P<0.05) and the muscle strengths of upper and lower limbs of children in conventional rehabilitation group (with t values of -7.59 and -6.69, respectively, P<0.05) were significantly higher than those before home rehabilitation training, and the muscle strengths of upper and lower limbs of children in combined rehabilitation group were significantly higher than those in conventional rehabilitation group (with t values of 3.80 and 7.87, respectively, P<0.05). After 12 weeks of home rehabilitation training, the lean body mass of children in combined rehabilitation group was significantly higher than that before home rehabilitation training (t=0.21, P<0.05). After 12 weeks of home rehabilitation training, the 6-min walking distances of children in conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group were significantly longer than those before home rehabilitation training (with t values of -5.33 and -3.40, respectively, P<0.05), and the 6-min walking distance of children in combined rehabilitation group was significantly longer than that in conventional rehabilitation group (t=3.81, P<0.05). Conclusions: Conventional burn rehabilitation treatment in hospital and home resistance training with elastic band for 12 weeks after discharge can significantly improve the muscle function and walking ability of severely burned children.

Effects of an Occupation-Based Intervention on Hand and Upper Extremity Function, Daily Activities, and Quality of Life in People With Burn Injuries: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

IMPORTANCE: Occupational performance and function are affected in people with burn injuries to the hand and upper extremity; this can lead to the development of some disabilities and endanger quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of occupation-based intervention on hand and upper extremity function, daily activities, and quality of life in people with burn injuries. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Specialized burn hospital in Iran. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N = 20) with burn injuries to the hand and upper extremity. INTERVENTIONS: The control group received only traditional rehabilitation, and the intervention group received traditional rehabilitation and took part in the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) protocol (18 sessions, 45 min/day, for both groups). MEASURES: Assessments included the CO-OP; Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire; Shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire; Modified Barthel Index; World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale-Brief; a visual analogue scale; measurements with a goniometer and dynamometer; and the figure-of-eight method. These evaluations were conducted with both groups before the rehabilitation program commenced and at Wk 2, 6, and 14 (follow-up). RESULTS: The results showed that there were notable changes in all the study variables except edema in both groups. However, these changes (p [V] ≤ .05) were not statistically significant between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: According to the results, the occupation-based interventions are as effective as traditional therapeutic interventions for the improvement of hand and upper extremity function, ability to perform daily activities, and quality of life in people with burn injuries. What This Article Adds: The CO-OP protocol, as an occupation-based intervention, can improve hand performance, ability to perform daily activities, and quality of life in people with burn injuries, and thus it can be useful in rehabilitation clinics.

[Exploration of functional reconstruction and rehabilitation strategies for patients with destructive electric burns].

Electric burn is a kind of three-dimensional destructive damage. It is necessary to attach great importance to the functional reconstruction and rehabilitation of patients with destructive electric burns. Wound repair and limb salvage are not the end of the treatment of destructive electric burns, but functional rehabilitation and reintegration into society of patients are the goals of treatment. This paper systematically discusses the early wound repair, late functional reconstruction and rehabilitation, limb salvage and amputation, minimized damage of donor area, psychological rehabilitation, and multi-disciplinary cooperation of destructive electric burns. Only by attaching great importance to the functional reconstruction and rehabilitation, and embedding these concepts in people's brains, perfect repair and rehabilitation of destructive electric burns can be realized.

Rehabilitation Management of the Burned Hand.

Burns to the hands constitute a small total surface area burn, but can result in significant functional challenges and disability. The complexity of multiple anatomical structures and intricate interplay of bones, muscles, and connective tissues requires specialized knowledge of how burns of the hand can affect function and independence. This article will provide an evidence-based overview of rehabilitation of the burned hand across the burn care continuum including a focus on evaluation, pain management, treatment interventions, and outcome assessment. Additionally, various deficits that can put the hand at significant risk for loss of function will be discussed. Finally, the authors will address the special considerations and treatment caveats of addressing the pediatric hand burn.

Key Exercise Concepts in the Rehabilitation from Severe Burns.

This article presents information on the benefits of exercise in counteracting the detrimental effects of bed rest, and/or severe burns. Exercise is key for maintaining physical function, lean body mass, metabolic recovery, and psychosocial health after major burn injuries. The details of an exercise training program conducted in severely burned persons are presented, as well as information on the importance of proper regulation of body temperature during exercise or physical activity. The sections on exercise and thermoregulation are followed by a section on the role of exercise in scarring and contractures. Finally, gaps in the current knowledge of exercise, thermoregulation, and contractures are presented.

Special Considerations for Pediatric Burn Injuries.

Burns are the fifth leading cause of non-fatal childhood injuries. Physiological differences between children and adults lead to unique considerations when treating young burn survivors. In addition to the physical and psychological concerns which must be considered in adult burn rehabilitation, pediatric burn rehabilitation must also consider the developmental stage of the child, preexisting developmental delays, and the impact of scaring on growth and motor skill attainment. Treatment of pediatric burn survivors requires a multidisciplinary approach centered around caring for not only the child but also for their parents, siblings, and other caregivers. For children who sustain burns early in life, long-term follow-up is essential and should be conducted under the guidance of a burn center for the early identification of needed interventions during periods of growth and development. This article considers pediatric-specific factors, which may present during the rehabilitation of a child with a burn injury.

Factors Associated with the Rehabilitation of the Older Adult Burn Patient.

The number of older people is increasing and as a result so will the number of older adult patients who present with a burn injury. There are distinct differences between older and younger burn patients, particularly with respect to skin anatomy and physiology and frailty. These are 2 important factors that influence the rehabilitation efforts with respect to older adult burn patients. There has been minimal work done studying the specific rehabilitation of older adult burn patients. More work is needed to fully understand the rehabilitation needs of older adult burn patients.

A Narrative Review of Outcomes in Burn Rehabilitation Based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health.

Burn injury commonly causes long-term physical impairments and psychosocial limitations that impact survivorship. This article uses the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework to summarize burn rehabilitation outcomes related to body functions and structures and how they relate to activities and participation within the social context. This article will contribute to a better understanding of burn recovery, facilitate the identification of specific and meaningful issues common to burn survivorship that may be under-reported in prior investigations and guide future rehabilitation to advance long-term burn outcomes.

Depression, postburn disability & quality of life: The moderating roles of burn specific coping strategies.

Depression has been associated with poorer postburn functional outcomes. However, whether or not certain burn specific coping strategies moderate the relationships remains unknown. Burn survivors from 2015 Formosa Fun Coast Water Park explosion were recruited in a 3-year follow-up study. Using Wave 1 data collected 1 year after discharge, we conducted multivariate regression analysis to assess the associations between depression and postburn disability and quality of life. We also performed moderation analysis to determine moderating effects of burn specific coping strategies on the associations. Our results found depression was significantly associated with worsening postburn disability and poorer quality of life. When demographic and burn related variables were accounted for, we found avoidance coping moderated the depression-disability relationship. Depression was significantly and positively correlated with disability at low and medium levels of avoidance but not high. Optimism/problem solving moderated the depression-quality of life relationship. Depression was significantly and negatively correlated with quality of life at low and medium levels of optimism/problem solving but not high. Our study provided evidence supporting early identification and intervention of depression in burn survivors to optimize functional outcomes. Such knowledge may provide insights into potential targets in rehabilitation in depressed burn survivors.

Xenoinjertos de piel de tilapia en quemaduras cutáneas. Una revisión exploratoria / Tilapia skin xenografts in skin burns. An exploratory review

Introducción y objetivo: El tratamiento de heridas, y en particular el de las quemaduras es complejo, son lesiones de alto costo e implican amplios periodos de hospitalización, además de incapacidades físicas, laborales y alteraciones emocionales. Existen diferentes tratamientos para su manejo, entre ellos, recientemente, los xenoinjertos de piel de tilapia, del Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus), un pez de agua dulce nativo de África que se encuentra y cultiva comúnmente en diferentes países tropicales y subtropicales. Es un tejido rico en fibras de colágeno tipo I y III, con resistencia a la humedad y estructura similar a la piel humana. Usada como xenoinjerto, posee propiedades antiinflamatorias y antibacterianas que apoyan y mejoran la cicatrización. Evaluamos la eficacia de los injertos de piel de tilapia en comparación con técnicas alternativas para el tratamiento de quemaduras. Material y método: Búsqueda bibliográfica sistemática en las bases de datos PubMed y ScienceDirect, utilizando los términos MeSH, con la ecuación de búsqueda (tilapia skin) AND (burns), incluyendo estudios de casos y controles, reportes de caso y ensayos controlados aleatorios. Resultados: Analizamos 5 trabajos para el estudio final; 4 eran de Brasil (país que actualmente tiene más experiencia en el uso de piel de tilapia en regeneración tisular) y el quinto de Indonesia. Todos en inglés. Conclusiones: De nuestra revisión podemos concluir que, en la actualidad, no existe una técnica estándar para tratar heridas, sin embargo, los injertos de piel de tilapia demostraron una mejor y más rápida cicatrización de heridas, menos cambios de apósitos, menos dolor y costos más bajos, en comparación con las técnicas convencionales.Nivel de evidencia científica 5c Terapéutico.(AU)

Background and objective: Treatment of wounds, and burns in particular, is complex, they are high-cost injuries, imply long periods of hospitalization, additionally physical and work disabilities and emotional disturbances. There are different treatments available for its management, recently including tilapia skin xenografts. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a fresh water fish, native to Africa and commonly found and farmed in different tropical and subtropical countries. The skin It is a tissue rich in type I and III collagen fibers and has resistance to moisture and skin alterations similar to human skin. Used as a xenograft, it possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that support and enhance healing. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of tilapia skin grafts in comparison with alternative techniques for the treatment of burns. Methods: A systematic bibliographic search was carried out using the PubMed and ScienceDirect data bases, MeSH terms were used with the search equation (tilapia skin) AND (burns), including case-control studies, case reports, and randomized controlled trials. Results: Five papers were included for the final study; 4 were from Brazil (the country that currently has the most experience in the use of tilapia skin in tissue regeneration) and 1 from Indonesia, all of them were written in English. Conclusions: There is currently no standard technique for treating wounds, however, fish skin grafts demonstrated faster and improved wound healing, fewer dressing changes, less pain, and lower costs, compared with conventional techniques. Level of evidence 5c Terapeutic.(AU)

Trajectories of physical health-related quality of life among adults living with burn injuries: A burn model system national database investigation to improve early intervention and rehabilitation service delivery.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding trajectories of recovery in key domains can be used to guide patients, families, and caregivers. The purpose of this study was to describe common trajectories of physical health over time and to examine predictors of these trajectories. METHOD: Adults with burn injuries completed self-reported assessments of their health-related quality of life (HRQOL) as measured by the SF-12® Physical Component Summary (PCS) score at distinct time points (preinjury via recall, index hospital discharge, and at 6-, 12-, and 24 months after injury). Growth mixture modeling (GMM) was used to model PCS scores over time. Covariables included burn size, participant characteristics, and scores from the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ)/Social Integration portion, Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), and Satisfaction With Appearance Scale (SWAP). RESULTS: Data from 939 participants were used for complete-case analysis. Participants were 72% male, 64% non-Hispanic White, with an average age of 44 years and an average burn size of 20% of total body surface area (TBSA). The best fitting model suggested three distinct trajectories (Class 1 through 3) for HRQOL. We titled each Class according to the characteristics of their trajectory. Class 1 (recovering; n = 632), Class 2 (static; n = 77), and Class 3 (weakened; n = 205) reported near average HRQOL preinjury, then reported lower scores at discharge, with Class 1 subsequently improving to preinjury levels and Class 3 improving but not reaching their preinjury quality of life. Class 3 experienced the largest decrease in HRQOL. Class 2 reported the lowest preinjury HRQOL and remained low for the next 2 years, showing minimal change in their HRQOL. CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the importance of early universal screening and sustained intervention for those most at risk for low HRQOL following injury. For Class 2 (static), lower than average HRQOL before their injury is a warning. For Class 3 (weakened), if the scores at 6 months show a large decline, then the person is at risk for not regaining their HRQOL by 24 months and thus needs all available interventions to optimize their outcomes. Results of this study provide guidance for how to identify people with burn injury who would benefit from more intensive rehabilitation to help them achieve or regain better HRQOL. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Web-based E-survey in identifying current physiotherapy practices in paediatric burns.

INTRODUCTION: Physiotherapy practices in pediatric burns involves relaxation techniques and exercise training for attaining physical fitness, improving quality of life and, thereby to prevent primary and secondary complications. Physical activity and exercise act as a meaningful and purposeful tool for attaining physical fitness after burn injury. AIM: The aim of this e-survey is to identify the current practices of physiotherapy interventions in pediatric burn rehabilitation among physiotherapy students and professionals. METHODS: The e-survey was created with validated questionnaire using a Google Forms to gather the information related to current physiotherapy practices in pediatric burns. After the sample size estimation, survey link were sent to identified 144 physiotherapy students and professionals using social networking sites which includes, WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram for this cross-sectional e-survey. The frequency and percentage of survey responses were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 144 identified participants, 62 participants completed the survey, resulting in the response rate of (43.0%). The findings of this study revealed that> 50% of physiotherapy students, and professionals, are performing pain and scar assessment, along with their regular physiotherapy management in children with burns. In addition to these, they also practice physiotherapy for burn conditions in pediatric intensive care units (PICU), pediatric wards, and clinical outpatient department (OPD) settings. CONCLUSION: Physiotherapy students and professionals have sufficient knowledge regarding pediatric burns complications, and also, they are well aware regarding recent physiotherapy practices in pediatric burn care management.

Use of Isokinetic Dynamometry To Assess Muscle Function In Burned Patients Is A Reliable Tool To Assist Progressive Resistance Exercise Prescription.

Isokinetic dynamometry is used during exercise testing and rehabilitation to obtain a quantitative strength measurement on which progressive strength training programs can be based. This study assesses the test-retest reliability of isokinetic leg function in the knee flexors and extensors at 150°/s in children and young adults with severe burns to be used for rehabilitation exercise program prescription. In 39 severely burned patients (49 ± 14% total body surface area burn [TBSA], mean ± SD; 34 ± 21% TBSA 3rd degree; 14 ± 5 years, 153.3 ± 16.5 cm height; 53.8 ± 17.9 kg) knee flexion/extension isokinetic dynamometry at 150°/s was performed on each patient's dominant leg in two sessions. The patient was acquainted with the test and performed 1 set of 10 repetitions at 150°/s. A second session of 1 set of 10 repetitions at 150°/ was performed within 24 h of the first. Muscle function outcomes were knee flexion/extension peak torque, average peak torque, and average power. One-sample paired t tests were performed for all muscle function outcomes; intraclass correlation coefficients and r2 values with session two as a function of session one were calculated. Sessions did not differ significantly in knee extension or flexion for any muscle function outcome or the hamstrings to quadriceps ratio. All intraclass correlation coefficients were >0.89 and r2 > 0.79. Test-retest isokinetic dynamometry functional measurements in the knee flexors and extensors at 150°/s are reliable in the burn population and may aid resistance rehabilitation program prescriptions.