Anthropometry, muscular strength and aerobic capacity up to 5 years after moderate to severe pediatric burns: a cross-sectional study

Objective Physical functioning is of major importance after burn injury in many areas of life, in both the short and the long term. This cross-sectional study aimed to describe anthropometry, muscular strength and aerobic capacity in children and adolescents between 0.5-5 years after moderate to severe burns. Procedures Assessments took place in a mobile exercise lab and were completed by 24 subjects (58.3% male; 6-18 years; 10-41% TBSA; 1-5 years post burn). Demographics, burn characteristics and anthropometrics were recorded. Muscular strength in six muscle groups and aerobic capacity were measured using hand-held dynamometry and a graded cardiopulmonary exercise test, respectively. Subjects’ scores were compared with Dutch ageand sex-matched norm values and converted to Z-scores. Results On group level, no significant differences between the subjects’ scores and norm values were found. Individually, eight subjects (33.3%), mostly aged 6 or 7, showed significantly low performance on at least one variable: seven for strength, one for aerobic capacity and one for both. No trends were seen indicating an effect of extent of burn or time post burn. Conclusion Anthropometry, muscular strength and aerobic capacity are adequate in the majority of Dutch children and adolescents 1-5 years after moderate to severe burns.