Overview
Pulmonary dysfunction can be developed as a result of complications caused by direct thermal injury to the respiratory tract, smoke irritations, and respiratory tract infection. Although the survival rates of patients with burn injury have increased because of improved acute management, pulmonary complications have continued to be the main cause of mortality in patients with burns. The patients who survive suffer from persistent physiological impairments, limited aerobic capacity, increased skeletal muscle catabolism, and decreased muscle strength/endurance. Rehabilitation strategies for the long-term recovery in patients with burns aim to improve the physical function and independence in daily activities.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Participants with inhalation injury after thermal burn injury including face and chest
- with 40-60 % of total body surface area (%TBSA)
- Partial or full thickness burns that either recovered spontaneously or healed by skin grafting
- Age (20-50) years.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Heavy smokers
- Open or unhealed wounds
- Chest physical therapy before enrollment
- Any lung disorders (COPD or asthma)
- musculoskeletal impairment
- Neurological impairment
- Cardiac diseases
- Cognitive disorders
- Obese individuals BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2
- Pregnant females
- Participants in intensive care unit who are intubated and depend on mechanical ventilation.
