Effects of Balance, Plyometric, and Combined Plyometric-Balance Training in Pediatric Burn Survivors

Summary

Children who sustain burn injuries often develop long-term physical and psychological complications that limit their ability to move, exercise, and participate in daily activities. These problems commonly include reduced balance, muscle weakness, fatigue, and impaired physical performance, which may persist for several years after injury and require prolonged rehabilitation.

This study aims to investigate the effects of three different exercise-based rehabilitation programs-balance training, plyometric (jump-based) training, and a combined balance and plyometric training program-on balance and physical performance in children recovering from burn injuries. A total of 84 children aged 10 to 17 years with healed lower-limb burns will be randomly assigned to one of the three training groups. Each group will participate in supervised exercise sessions three times per week for eight weeks.

Balance, muscle strength, power, and agility will be assessed before and after the training period using standardized physical performance tests. The findings of this study are expected to help identify the most effective rehabilitation approach for improving functional abilities and physical performance in pediatric burn survivors during long-term recovery.

Conditions

• Burn
• Pediatric Burns
• Burn Rehabilitation

Interventions

OTHER

Plyometric Exercise Training Program

This intervention consists of a structured plyometric exercise program delivered over eight weeks, with three supervised sessions per week on non-consecutive days. The program focuses on lower-extremity jumping and explosive movements designed to enhance neuromuscular performance, power, and coordination. Exercises emphasize proper posture, controlled landings, minimal ground contact time, and rapid stretch-shortening cycle actions. Training intensity and complexity progressively increase throughout the intervention period. Each session begins with a standardized warm-up.

OTHER

Balance Training Program

This intervention consists of an eight-week supervised balance training program conducted three times per week on non-consecutive days. The program includes progressive static and dynamic stabilization exercises aimed at improving postural control, coordination, and balance performance. Exercise difficulty is gradually increased based on participant progression to provide appropriate challenge. Each training session begins with a standardized warm-up.

OTHER

Combined Plyometric and Balance Training Program

This intervention integrates balance and plyometric exercises within a single training session over an eight-week period, with three supervised sessions per week. Approximately half of each session focuses on balance exercises performed using slow, controlled movements, followed by plyometric exercises emphasizing rapid stretch-shortening cycle actions. Training progression involves gradual increases in exercise intensity, complexity, repetitions, and sets. Each session begins with a standardized warm-up. Total training volume and frequency are matched to those of the single-modality training groups.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Cairo University

  collaborator OTHER

• Qassim University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

10 Years

Max Age

17 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-01-05

Primary Completion

2026-01-20

Completion

2026-01-25

Countries

• Egypt

Study Locations