Frenkel Exercises on Balance and Quality of Life Post Burns

Cairo University (CU)

Status: Begins enrollment this month

Conditions: Lower Limb Burn Injury; Burns

Treatments: Other: traditional physical therapy programme; Other: frenkel exercises

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07566442

12519939987

Details and patient eligibility

About

Seventy patients of both sexes with thermal burn injuries, aged 25 to 45 years, will participate in this study. The participants will be randomly selected from the Outpatient Clinic of the Faculty of Physical Therapy. They will be randomly assigned into two equal groups, 35 patients each (study group and control group). Group A (Study Group): Patients in this group will receive Frenkel exercises in addition to a traditional physiotherapy program comprising stretching, strengthening exercises and scar management, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. While, Group B (Control Group): Patients in this group will receive traditional physiotherapy program, 3 times a week for 8 weeks.

Full description

Introduction: Severe burn injuries to the lower limbs result in reduced muscle strength, postural imbalance, limited walking ability, and diminished functional activities. This research aimed to study the impact of frenkel exercises on balance and quality of life, and determine the most effective treatment program for rehabilitation.

Material and methods: The primary outcome measures were balance, assessed using the Biodex Balance System, and quality of life, evaluated using a validated questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures included lower limb muscle strength, measured by a Lafayette Hand-Held Dynamometer (HHD), and functional ability, assessed using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). Seventy patients of both sexes with thermal burn injuries, aged 25 to 45 years, will participate in this study. The participants will be randomly selected from the Outpatient Clinic of the Faculty of Physical Therapy. They will be randomly assigned into two equal groups, 35 patients each (study group and control group). Group A (Study Group): Patients in this group will receive Frenkel exercises in addition to a traditional physiotherapy program comprising stretching, strengthening exercises and scar management, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. While, Group B (Control Group): Patients in this group will receive traditional physiotherapy program, 3 times a week for 8 weeks.

Enrollment: 70 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 20 to 45 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Body mass index (BMI) between 25-30 kg/m²
• Total body surface area (TBSA) 30%-45% determined by rule of nines
• Second-degree thermal burns affecting the lower limbs
• After full wound healing
• Ability to stand and walk independently or with minimal assistance
• Ability to participate in balance training exercises

Exclusion Criteria

• Open wounds in or near the treatment area
• Chemical or electrical burns or inhalation injuries
• Musculoskeletal conditions affecting exercise or testing, or visual/hearing impairments
• Uncontrolled cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases
• Malignant conditions
• Severe behavioral or cognitive disorders
• Uncooperative patients
• Proprioception deficit or balance impairment due to other diseases

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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70 participants in 2 patient groups

frenkel exercises

Experimental group

Description:

The program was conducted three times per week for eight weeks, with 30-minute sessions performed under visual guidance using slow, controlled, and repetitive movements to enhance coordination and balance. Exercises progressed from supine (hip, knee, and coordination tasks) to sitting (controlled leg movements and functional transitions), and then to standing activities focusing on static balance (weight shifting, narrow base, tandem stance). Finally, dynamic balance and gait training were introduced, including forward, sideways, and backward walking.

Treatment:

Other: frenkel exercises

Other: traditional physical therapy programme

Traditional physiotherapy program

Experimental group

Description:

Participants received a supervised traditional physiotherapy program three times per week for eight weeks. Each 45-minute session included stretching exercises for the calf and hamstring muscles, followed by range of motion (ROM) and progressive strengthening exercises for the lower limbs using free weights. Training intensity progressed from 50%-60% of 3RM in the first week to 80%-85% by weeks 7-8, with three sets of ten repetitions per exercise. Scar management included 15-20 minutes of deep friction massage, along with skin mobilization techniques. Additionally, customized pressure garments (25-40 mmHg) were used throughout the day, except during hygiene and exercise sessions, with silicone materials applied in areas requiring additional pressure

Treatment:

Other: traditional physical therapy programme