Abstract:

Purpose: To investigate the parameters affecting upper limb function in the early period in subjects with upper limb burn injury. Material and Methods: This study included a total of 34 (26 F; 8 M) individuals with upper limb burn injury. Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (QuickDASH) for upper extremity functions of subjects, Jamar hand dynamometer for grip strength, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale for kinesiophobia level and Visual Analogue Scale for pain level were used. Results: QuickDASH score, kinesiophobia and pain levels were higher while grip strength was lower in individuals with joint involvement of burn injury (p˂0,05). There was no difference between individuals with bilateral and unilateral burn injuries in terms of upper limb function, kinesiophobia, grip strength, and pain parameters (p˃0,05). According to the multiple regression analysis results, the presence of joint involvement of burn injury and pain levels were determined as significant predictors of upper extremity function (p˂0,05). Discussion: It was shown that the presence of a burn injury in a joint in the hand and increased pain level adversely affects upper extremity functions in the early period. In addition to the upper limb functions of individuals with burn injuries in the joint, pain severity, kinesiophobia and grip strength were also negatively affected.

Keywords: