Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Controlled Clinical Trial
Evaluation of leap motion control for hand rehabilitation in burn patients: An experience in the dust explosion disaster in Formosa Fun Coast.
Hand burns cause functional impairment. Leap motion control (LMC), a kind of virtual reality games, employs a novel system that provides biofeedback and training of fine motor function and functional skills. In this study, we hypothesized that LMC would improve burned hand function. ⋯ We found improvements in BSHS-B, QuickDASH, and iADL in the LMC group (all p<0.05) compared to those in the control group. In the LMC-trained hand, the ROM of the thumb IP joint and pinch strength increased, whereas the scar thickness over the first dorsal interossei muscle decreased (p<0.05). In conclusion, leap motion training could help patients with hand burns to increase finger ROM, decrease scar thickness, and improve hand function.
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Successful burn care should facilitate comprehensive, functional recovery after an injury. But we have a poor understanding of which risk factors influence long-term outcomes after burn injury. Studies have correlated hospital-acquired complications (HACs) with poor long-term outcomes in some populations. The purpose of this study was to determine whether HACs alter patient-reported quality of life in adult burn survivors. ⋯ We demonstrate that inpatient complications negatively impact long-term quality of life, especially physical functioning for patients with burn injuries. Our data confirm the need to consider the influence of hospital-acquired complications on patient-reported long-term outcomes and to support national efforts to reduce complications in burn patients.
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According to the ABSI - Abbreviated Burn Severity Index - women exhibit an increased risk of succumbing to burn injuries. In contrast, following non-thermal trauma, increased mortality has been shown for the male gender. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate gender-specific differences among burn patients with special regard to burn mortality. ⋯ Despite increasing research directed at women's health, the assoziation between gender and burn mortality has yielded conflicting results. This study does not support a gender-specific difference in burn mortality in our study population.
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Current consensus for the ideal pressure range at the pressure garment to scar interface is 15-25mmHg. Interface pressure variability has been reported at new pressure garment fitting in children. Pressure reductions up to 25% have been recorded over one month in adults. ⋯ Interface pressure variability was recorded over time during children's wear of the first pressure garment after burn. Further investigation of factors contributing to pressure changes, subsequent impact on adherence and the effect of sub-optimal pressure application on burn scar outcomes is indicated.
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Severe burns cause hypermetabolic responses and prolonged hospitalization, resulting in loss of body mass and muscle strength. This study aimed to determine whether long-term gains in lean body mass (LBM) after structured exercise programs are functionally meaningful and related to greater muscle strength in severely burned children. ⋯ In severely burned children participating in a rehabilitative exercise program, gains in LBM over time are related to increases in muscle strength, suggesting that gained muscle mass is functional. Measurement of muscle strength at an angular velocity of 120°/s best reflects gains in LBM and should be considered for reliable measure of strength in future studies.