Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of continuous passive motion(CPM) and rehabilitation on flexion of the shoulder after intensive burn.Methods 36 patients with intensive burn on upper limb(including the skin around axilla fossa) were divided randomly into CPM group(n=19) and control group(n=17).The CPM group received both routine rehabilitation and continuous passive motion treatment,and the control group only underwent routine rehabilitation treatment.Their ranges of active or passive motion were assessed.Results There was a significant improvement both in the CPM group and the control group after treatment(P<0.01),but the CPM group improved more(P<0.05).Conclusion CPM can improve the efficacy of the routine rehabilitation on flexion of the shoulder after intensive burn.

Key words: continuous passive motion(CPM), burn, shoulder, flexion, rehabilitation