Range of Motion Exercises Effect during and after Hydrotherapy on Patients Burned Hand Function and Pain Intensity: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Hand burn injuries can result in devastating functional impairments and hamper quality of life. One of the rehabilitation program components is hydrotherapy, which help in cleaning the burn surface, debriding wounds, facilitating the separation of eschar, facilitating physiotherapy, and improving patients’ comfort. This study aimed to evaluate range of motion exercises effect during and after hydrotherapy on patients burned hand function and pain intensity. A quasi-experimental comparative research design was conducted on three equal group of 15 adult patients having second degree burn of the hand (superficial and deep partial-thickness burns). Three tools were used for collecting the data: Tool I: Burn patient Assessment interview schedule. Tool II: Burned Hand functional assessment. Tool III: Pain Visual Analogue scale (VAS). Significant improvement was noticed among the three groups subjects in relation wrist and finger joint measurements, manual muscle testing, functional ability of the hand, and pain intensity. Hydrotherapy is an effective, alternative intervention that can be used by care providers as a non-pharmacological method in most burn centers.