Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy Versus Whole Body Vibration on Quadriceps Strength Post Burn

Abstract

Severe burns are linked to significant muscular loss and atrophy. Muscle wasting refers to the involuntary loss of 5%–10% of muscle mass, while individuals with severe burns may experience an abrupt loss of up to 25% of total body mass. Whole-body vibration and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) individually affected quadriceps strength post-burn. This work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of either pulsed electromagnetic field therapy or whole-body vibration on quadriceps strength post-burn. This study involved thirty patients of both genders, aged 25 to 40 years, with second-degree burns covering 10%-25% of TBSA. They were recruited from Al-Ahrar Teaching Hospital at Alsharqiya Governorate, Egypt, and divided at random into two equal-sized groups. Group (A) was given whole-body vibration training three times weekly for 6 weeks, while group (B) was given pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, three sessions weekly for six weeks. The standard physical treatment program was administered to both groups (splinting, stretching, strengthening, and range of motion exercises) for quadriceps muscles and medical treatment. The strength of the quadriceps was assessed for both groups using a handheld dynamometer at baseline as well as six weeks post-intervention. Both groups' mean values of quadriceps strength increased significantly after therapy. Nonetheless, upon comparison, the enhancements in group B were statistically significant relative to those in group A. (p = 0.002). Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy was more effective than whole-body vibration in improving quadriceps strength post-burn.