Randomized, Controlled, Multicenter Study of the Effect of In-Patient Exercise Training on Length of Hospitalization, Mental Health, and Physical Performance in Burned Patients

After severe burns (≥ 30% total body surface area [TBSA] burns, patients enter a persistent and extensive hypermetabolic and catabolic state. Unfortunately, burn-induced muscle catabolism is exacerbated by the prolonged bed rest and inactivity that accompanies hospitalization, leading to further loss of muscle mass and extreme weakness. The persistence of weakness, fatigue, and muscle catabolism from prolonged bed rest and inactivity during the acute care stage ultimately delays rehabilitation and return to normal physical activities. Studies conducted in non-burn patients have shown that, aside from decreasing muscle mass, prolonged bed rest has a host of other negative physiological consequences.

The primary purpose of this randomized, controlled, multicenter study is being conducted to determine the efficacy of early in-patient exercise, when used as an adjunct to standard of care (SOC), in improving recovery of adults from burns. The secondary purpose is to assess the efficacy of a personalized, structured, and quantifiable exercise program (hereafter referred to as MP10) carried out soon after admission until hospital discharge (including during the BICU stay and time on ventilation). This objective will be met through a multicenter trial in children and adults (7 - 60 years) with ≥30% TBSA burns. Outcome variables will include BICU days, ventilator days, hospital days, peak treadmill time, and lean body mass and psychosocial function (See Section 8 for details).

Methods: Ninety-six subjects will be recruited from four sites (24 subjects each) for this study and all genders and ethnicities will be invited. All subject will have TBSA > 30% and be ages 7-60 years of age. The first objective of this multicenter study will be to characterize the SOC related to physical/occupational therapy of inpatients at four U.S. burn centers, through 25 question surveys. The second portion of the project will involve exercise research. The objective is to assess the efficacy of MP10, in conjunction with existing SOC, in reducing debilitation among discharged burn patients. This will be initiated following surgeon's prescription, roughly 3-5 days following the first surgery after admission.

Ergonomic exercise training for the in-patient subjects will be conducted using Leg and Arm Ergometer equipment, and the training period will be daily for 10 minutes. The duration will be the duration the patient is held in the Burn Intensive Care Unit (BICU). Testing will include the following: Lean mass (assessed via dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), Cardiopulmonary and muscle endurance test (peak VO2 on treadmill test), and weekly 6 minute walk test.

Data Analysis: A repeated measure ANOVA will be calculated using lean body mass and peak VO2 as dependent variables with the independent variables of TBA%, duration of hospital stay (and days of ergonomic exercise), ventilator days, and demographics. The purpose of this study is to measure efficacy of exercise training while in BICU for thermal injury patients.