EFFECT OF EXERCISE ON RESTING ENERGY EXPENDITURE, LEAN BODY MASS AND HEART RATE IN BURNED CHILDREN

Severe burn injuries are associated with a persistent hypermetabolic response, muscle catabolism and wasting lasting up to 12 months post-injury. Furthermore, inactivity leads to loss of muscle mass, decreased strength and diminished capacity to fully rehabilitate. We examined the effect of a 12 week aerobic and resistance training program on resting energy expenditure (REE), lean body mass (LBM) and resting heart rate (RHR) in burned children. METHODS: 33 patients with >40% TBSA burns were enrolled and randomly assigned to either a no-exercise group (n = 12) or an exercise group (n = 21). Assessment of REE, measured by indirect calorimetry, LBM, measured by DEXA and RHR, measured during echocardiography were made at 6 and 9 months after injury. RESULTS: Table shows results of REE, LBM and RHR at 6 and 9 months post-burn.TableCONCLUSION: In response to an exercise program, REE did not change. However, in the non-exercise group, REE increased suggesting persistent catabolism. With exercise, LBM increased more, whereas RHR decreased suggesting a training effect. Results indicate that exercise is beneficial in reducing hypermetabolism, increasing LBM and decreasing RHR. (Supported by grants NIH 1P50BM60338 and NIDRR 133A970019-0)