PEMT Versus WBV on Quadriceps Strength Post Burn

Burns of Thigh

The purpose of the study is to evaluate which is more effective pulsed electromagnetic field therapy or whole-body vibration on quadriceps strength after chronic burn.

A burn is an injury to the skin or other organic tissue primarily caused by heat, radiation or radioactivity, electricity, friction, or contact with chemicals. It is the fourth most common type of trauma worldwide and a major cause of mortality and disability in developing countries. Patients with ≥ 20% total burn surface area (TBSA) injury are potentially predisposed to significant morbidity and mortality. The immobilization period after burn is accompanied by numerous detrimental effect namely sever deconditioning such as sever weakness, impaired motor control decrease cognitive status, pain, risk of graft shearing and psychological factors. Severe burns are typically followed by a hypermetabolic response that lasts for at least 9-12 months post-injury. The endocrine status is also markedly altered with an initial and then sustained increase in proinflammatory 'stress' hormones such as cortisol and other glucocorticoids, and catecholamines including epinephrine and norepinephrine by the adrenal medulla and cortex. These hormones exert catabolic effects leading to muscle wasting . Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) are known to be a noninvasive, safe and effective therapy agent without apparent side effects. Numerous studies have shown that PEMFs possess the potential to become a stand-alone or adjunctive treatment modality for treating musculoskeletal disorders. There are emerging evidences showing that pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) can modulate mitochondrial activities for muscle gain. PEMF exposure on top of regular exercise training may promote muscle regeneration and tissue healing. Whole Body Vibration Training (WBVT) can be described as exercising on a platform with an oscillating motion. Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is a newly developed neuromuscular training method, in which vibrations of various frequencies are provided to mechanically stimulate the receptors in the body such as muscle spindles. Whole Body Vibration Training (WBVT) elicits a biological adaptation that is connected to the neural potentiation effect. In this effect the proprioceptive pathways are strongly stimulated by the vibration which results in reflexive muscle contractions. Although WBVT combined with resistance training is becoming increasingly popular in various training recommendations, there is still an ongoing debate in literature, whether there are additional effects of WBV on muscle fitness and muscle performance in comparison to conventional exercise.

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