Effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and mirrortherapy on range of motion, pain, functionality, kinesiophobia and quality of life in upper extremity burn patients

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of standard treatment (ST) and additional proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (Standard+PNF) and mirror therapy (Standard+MT) on joint range of motion (ROM), pain, functionality, kinesiophobia and quality of life in acute upper extremity burns. A total of forty-eight individuals were included in the study in 3 groups ST, PNF and MT groups. Demographic information and burn-specific evaluations of the individuals were performed. Exercise training was applied 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Before and after exercise training, goniometric measurement, Visual Analog Scale, Arm, Shoulder and Hand Problems Quick Questionnaire (QuickDASH), Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS) and Burn-Specific Health Scale were evaluated. The mean age of the ST, PNF, and MT groups was 38.44±7.62 years, 43.38±11.27 years, and 40.00±13.51 years, respectively. There was no difference between the demographic characteristics of the groups (p>0.05). The groups were similar in terms of percent change in ROM, pain scores, QuickDASH, TSK scores and Quality of life scale sores pre- and post-treatment (p>0.05). However, a statistically significant difference was found in terms of pain scores before and after treatment in all three groups (p<0,05). Results in favor of the MT group in pain and functionality; PNF group in kinesiophobia; and ST group in quality of life were obtained in pre- and post-treatment differences. In conclusion, it has been shown that the standard treatment applied in upper extremity burns, PNF and MT, have positive effects on ROM, pain, functionality, kinesiophobia and quality of life. This study provides evidence that individualized different treatment approaches can be applied together with exercise methods in the acute period to achieve rehabilitation goals in upper extremity burns. It will be a guide in clinical and academic studies.