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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07590557

Plyometrics for Strength and Function After Pediatric Burns

Pediatric burn survivors may experience persistent deficits in lower-limb strength, explosive power, and functional performance after hospital discharge. This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether a 12-week supervised plyometric training program improves lower-extremity muscle strength, power, and functional capacity compared with a standard exercise program in children and adolescents with severe burn injuries.

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Key information

Conditions

Pediatric Burns Burn Injury Burns Functional Limitation Muscle Weakness Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Manifestations Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Post-Burn Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Signs and Symptoms Wounds and Injuries

Age range

10 year–18 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University

Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia

About this study

This two-arm, parallel-group, single-blind randomized controlled trial included 62 pediatric burn survivors aged 10-18 years with severe burns involving ≥30% total body surface area and lower-limb involvement. Participants were recruited 6-12 months after hospital discharge and randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either plyometric training or standard exercise.

Both groups received supervised exercise twice weekly for 12 weeks. The experimental group completed progressive plyometric exercises designed to enhance lower-extremity explosive power and dynamic functional mobility. The control group received standard post-discharge rehabilitation focused on flexibility, aerobic conditioning, mobility, and basic strengthening. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and immediately after the 12-week intervention by blinded assessors.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Children and adolescents aged 10-18 years at the time of enrolment.
  • History of severe burn injury involving ≥30% total body surface area (TBSA), with lower-extremity involvement.
  • Between 6 and 12 months post-hospital discharge.
  • Ability to understand study instructions and safely perform the prescribed exercise program.

Exclusion criteria

  • Pre-existing neurological or musculoskeletal disorders that may affect lower-limb function or study outcomes.
  • Severe lower-limb joint contracture limiting functional movement.
  • Cognitive impairment preventing understanding of instructions or reliable participation.
  • Participation in another structured exercise, rehabilitation, or physical therapy program outside the study protocol during the trial period.

Treatment and study plan

Plyometric Training

Other

Participants in the plyometric training group will receive a 12-week supervised program, with each session lasting 45 minutes and designed to improve lower-extremity explosive power and dynamic functional mobility. Sessions will include a 5-minute dynamic warm-up, 35 minutes of progressive plyometric exercises targeting vertical and horizontal force production, and a 5-minute cool-down. Training will be individually supervised with safety measures including shock-absorbing flooring, cushioned footwear, technique monitoring, and standardized rest intervals.

Other names: Plyo-Tr group

Standard exercise program

Other

Participants in the control group will receive a 12-week supervised program, with each session lasting 45 minutes post-discharge burn rehabilitation program focusing on mobility, flexibility, aerobic conditioning, and basic lower-limb strengthening. Sessions will include warm-up, stretching, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise at 50-70% of age-predicted maximum heart rate, strengthening exercises, and cool-down, with progression based on participant tolerance.

Other names: Control Intervention

Primary outcomes

  1. Lower-Limb Muscle Strength

    Time frame: pre-intervention (Week 0)

    Quadriceps and hamstring strength will be assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. After standardized positioning, stabilization, warm-up, and familiarization, participants will perform five maximal reciprocal knee extension/flexion repetitions. The highest peak torque value (Nm) for hamstrings and quadriceps will be recorded.

  2. Lower-Limb Muscle Strength

    Time frame: immediately post-intervention (Week 12)

    Quadriceps and hamstring strength will be assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. After standardized positioning, stabilization, warm-up, and familiarization, participants will perform five maximal reciprocal knee extension/flexion repetitions. The highest peak torque value (Nm) for hamstrings and quadriceps will be recorded.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Vertical Jump Height

    Time frame: pre-intervention (Week 0)

    Vertical Jump Test: Lower-limb explosive power will be assessed using a vertical jump performed on a force plate. Participants will jump maximally with hands on hips to minimize arm contribution, completing three trials with 60 seconds of rest between trials. The highest jump height will be recorded in centimeters.

  2. Vertical Jump Height

    Time frame: immediately post-intervention (Week 12)

    Vertical Jump Test: Lower-limb explosive power will be assessed using a vertical jump performed on a force plate. Participants will jump maximally with hands on hips to minimize arm contribution, completing three trials with 60 seconds of rest between trials. The highest jump height will be recorded in centimeters.

  3. Broad Jump Distance

    Time frame: pre-intervention (Week 0)

    Horizontal lower-limb power and dynamic leg strength will be assessed using the broad jump test. Participants will perform three maximal two-footed forward jumps from a marked starting line, with 60 seconds of rest between trials. The longest distance, measured from the starting line to the rearmost landing point, will be recorded in centimeters.

  4. Broad Jump Distance

    Time frame: immediately post-intervention (Week 12)

    Horizontal lower-limb power and dynamic leg strength will be assessed using the broad jump test. Participants will perform three maximal two-footed forward jumps from a marked starting line, with 60 seconds of rest between trials. The longest distance, measured from the starting line to the rearmost landing point, will be recorded in centimeters.

  5. Reactive Strength Index

    Time frame: pre-intervention (Week 0)

    Reactive strength will be assessed using a drop jump from a 30-cm box onto a force plate. Three trials will be performed with 60 seconds of rest, and the highest reactive strength index value, calculated as jump height divided by ground contact time, will be recorded.

  6. Reactive Strength Index

    Time frame: immediately post-intervention (Week 12)

    Reactive strength will be assessed using a drop jump from a 30-cm box onto a force plate. Three trials will be performed with 60 seconds of rest, and the highest reactive strength index value, calculated as jump height divided by ground contact time, will be recorded.

  7. Lower Extremity Functional Scale Score

    Time frame: pre-intervention (Week 0)

    Lower-limb functional ability will be assessed using the 20-item Lower Extremity Functional Scale, which evaluates perceived difficulty in activities such as walking, running, stair climbing, and squatting. Each item is scored from 0 to 4, with a total score ranging from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate better functional capacity.

  8. Lower Extremity Functional Scale Score

    Time frame: immediately post-intervention (Week 12)

    Lower-limb functional ability will be assessed using the 20-item Lower Extremity Functional Scale, which evaluates perceived difficulty in activities such as walking, running, stair climbing, and squatting. Each item is scored from 0 to 4, with a total score ranging from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate better functional capacity.

  9. Six-Minute Walk Test Distance

    Time frame: pre-intervention (Week 0)

    Functional exercise capacity will be assessed using the Six-Minute Walk Test performed along a 30-meter indoor corridor according to standardized guidelines. Participants will be instructed to walk as far as possible, without running, within six minutes, and the total distance covered will be recorded in meters.

  10. Six-Minute Walk Test Distance

    Time frame: immediately post-intervention (Week 12)

    Functional exercise capacity will be assessed using the Six-Minute Walk Test performed along a 30-meter indoor corridor according to standardized guidelines. Participants will be instructed to walk as far as possible, without running, within six minutes, and the total distance covered will be recorded in meters.

  11. Timed Up and Down Stairs Performance

    Time frame: pre-intervention (Week 0)

    Lower-limb power, agility, and dynamic balance will be assessed using the Timed Up and Down Stairs test. Participants will ascend and descend 10 standard stairs as quickly and safely as possible, with two trials performed and the fastest time recorded in seconds.

  12. Timed Up and Down Stairs Performance

    Time frame: immediately post-intervention (Week 12)

    Lower-limb power, agility, and dynamic balance will be assessed using the Timed Up and Down Stairs test. Participants will ascend and descend 10 standard stairs as quickly and safely as possible, with two trials performed and the fastest time recorded in seconds.

  13. 4×10-Meter Shuttle Run Time

    Time frame: pre-intervention (Week 0)

    Agility and speed will be assessed using the 4×10-meter shuttle run test. Participants will run back and forth between two cones placed 10 meters apart, completing four 10-meter segments for a total distance of 40 meters. Two trials will be performed, and the fastest completion time will be recorded in seconds.

  14. 4×10-Meter Shuttle Run Time

    Time frame: immediately post-intervention (Week 12)

    Agility and speed will be assessed using the 4×10-meter shuttle run test. Participants will run back and forth between two cones placed 10 meters apart, completing four 10-meter segments for a total distance of 40 meters. Two trials will be performed, and the fastest completion time will be recorded in seconds.

  15. Figure-of-8 Walk/Run Test Time

    Time frame: pre-intervention (Week 0)

    Dynamic balance, agility, and coordination will be assessed using the Figure-of-8 Walk/Run Test. Participants will complete two full loops around two cones placed 5 meters apart as quickly as possible. Two trials will be performed, and the fastest completion time will be recorded in seconds.

  16. Figure-of-8 Walk/Run Test Time

    Time frame: immediately post-intervention (Week 12)

    Dynamic balance, agility, and coordination will be assessed using the Figure-of-8 Walk/Run Test. Participants will complete two full loops around two cones placed 5 meters apart as quickly as possible. Two trials will be performed, and the fastest completion time will be recorded in seconds.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Qassim University

Other

Collaborators

  • Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University

Registry information

Official study title

Rebuilding Capacity With Plyometrics: A Novel and Potent Stimulus for Strength and Power, and Functional Performance in Pediatric Post-Burn Population

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
May 15, 2026
Registry last updated
May 15, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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