Effect of sensorimotor training on stability, mobility, and quality of life after lower extremity thermal burns: A prospective randomised controlled trial.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of sensorimotor training on stability, balance, mobility, quality of life, and muscle strength after lower extremity and trunk thermal burns.

Design: A prospective, randomised controlled trial.

Setting: Physiotherapy outpatient setting.

Participants: Sixty participants with lower extremity and trunk thermal burns, aged 20-50 years, were randomly allocated to either the Sensorimotor Training group or the Control group.

Intervention: The Sensorimotor Training group received both a sensorimotor training programme and a traditional physiotherapy programme, while the Control group received only the traditional physiotherapy programme. The intervention was applied three days per week for eight weeks.

Outcome measures: The anteroposterior stability index was the primary outcome, while secondary outcomes included the overall stability index, mediolateral stability index, Timed Up and Go Test, Berg Balance Scale, and the Short Form-36 questionnaire, all measured at baseline and after eight weeks.

Results: Significant differences were identified between groups after eight weeks, favouring the Sensorimotor Training group. Mean differences (95% CI) between groups were: -0.89 (-1.23, -0.54) for the anteroposterior stability index; 6.67 (4.48, 8.86) for the Berg Balance Scale; -1.7 (-2.82, -0.59) for the Timed Up and Go Test; 11.22 (7.03, 15.40) for knee extensor torque; and 7.98 (4.62, 11.35) for physical function.

Conclusion: Sensorimotor training, when added to a conventional physiotherapy programme, can significantly improve stability, balance, mobility, quality of life, and muscle strength compared to conventional physiotherapy alone in participants with lower extremity and trunk thermal burns.