| Objective: To explore the effects of aerobic exercise on the motor function and activity of daily life in patients with large surface burns. Methods: Forty-seven cases of large surface burns were randomly divided into aerobic exercise group (n=24) and control group (n=23). The aerobic exercise group received routine rehabilitation treatment and aerobic exercise by treadmill exercise for 12 weeks. The control group was given routine rehabilitation treatment alone. Before and 12 weeks after rehabilitation treatment, the strength of the dominant leg quadriceps was measured by the isokinetic test, an angular velocity of 150°/s by Biodex, exercise endurance by 6 min walking test, and the activity of daily life by modified Barthel index, respectively. Results: After rehabilitation treatment for 12 weeks, the peak torque of quadriceps, total work and average power in the aerobic exercise group had significant improvement as compared with those before and in the control group (P<0.01). Modified Barthel index scores were significantly increased after treatment in the aerobic exercise group as compared with those before treatment and in the control group (P<0.05). The distance of 6 min walking test in the two groups after treatment was longer than that before the treatment (P<0.01, 0.05), more significantly in the aerobic exercise group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Aerobic exercise can effectively improve the motor function and activities of daily life in patients with large surface burns. |
