EVALUATION OF MUSCLE STRENGTH IN BURN VICTIMS WITH THE USE OF DYNAMOMETER

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate possible changes in the strength and function in individuals victims of burns with upper limbs involvement. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study in victims of burns, over 18 years old, with scars affecting upper limbs, using the contralateral limb as control area; between June until August 2019. The materials used were: free consent term and clarified, evaluation form, digital dynamometer (Lafayette), questionnaire QuickDASH and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), in a single session. Results: Ten participants were evaluated, with an average of 48.28 years of age (SD: 14.42), predominance of women (80%, 08). The most affected areas were arm and forearm (80%, 08), predominance of right-handed (80%, 08). The mean postoperative time was 11.83 months (SD: 7.35) and all participants underwent physical therapy on average for 7.88 months (SD: 4.16), with pain complaints (80%, 08) and pruritus (50%,05). In the VAS, the main score for pain was 3.5 (SD: 3.71). In the evaluation of muscular strength with dynamometer, it was observed a significant difference for elbow flexion (p= 0.038), extension of the elbow (p= 0.031) and shoulder abduction (p = 0.024), when compared with the contralateral side, not affected. In QuickDASH, the average of the notes was 35.68 (SD: 23.17), demonstrating good functionality. Final considerations: Individuals who are victims of burns with impairment unilateral upper limbs, even in a late phase, presented changes in muscle strength in specific movements, when compared to the non-affected limb after evaluation with a dynamometer, but function good, with the use of QuickDASH.