Objective

To assess the effect of early rehabilitation on the cutaneous and musculoskeletal impairments in burn patients in sub-Sahara Africa.

Material/patients and methods

This is a prospective comparative study of 67 patients divided into two groups G1 and G2. The patients of G1 received in addition to their emergency care, their rehabilitation therapy. On the other hand, the patients of G2 have started their physical therapy only after complete stabilization of their clinical status. Each patient was evaluated at the end of the third month post-burn.

Results

Compared to G2, the results showed that the patients of G1 group have obtained a significant reduction in pain ( Z = –3.82, P < 0.0001), skin ( P = 0.003) and muscle disorders ( P = 0.001), handicap level ( t = 6.47; df = 44; P < 0.0001), anxiety ( t = 5.05; df = 44; P < 0.0001) and depression ( t = 4.90; df = 44; P < 0.0001).

Discussion–conclusion

The early rehabilitation in patients burned in sub-Sahara Africa reduces the installation of the sequels and optimizes the functional results in the short term.