Integrating Physical Activity and Artificial Intelligence in Burn Rehabilitation: Muscle Recovery and Body Image Restoration

Abstract

Burn injuries result in complex physiological and psychological sequelae, including hypermetabolism, muscle wasting, mobility impairment, scarring, and disrupted body image. While advances in acute care have improved survival, comprehensive rehabilitation strategies are critical for restoring function, appearance, and psychosocial well-being. Structured physical activity, including resistance and aerobic training, plays a central role in counteracting muscle atrophy, improving cardiovascular function, enhancing scar quality, and promoting psychological resilience and body image restoration. This narrative review synthesizes the current evidence on the effects of exercise-based interventions on post-burn recovery, highlighting their therapeutic mechanisms, clinical applications, and implementation challenges. In addition to physical training, emerging technologies such as virtual reality, aquatic therapy, and compression garments offer promising adjunctive benefits. Notably, artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining traction in burn rehabilitation through its integration into wearable biosensors and telehealth platforms that enable real-time monitoring, individualized feedback, and predictive modeling of recovery outcomes. These AI-driven tools have the potential to personalize exercise regimens, support remote care, and enhance scar assessment and wound tracking. Overall, the integration of exercise-based interventions with digital technologies represents a promising, multimodal approach to burn recovery. Future research should focus on optimizing exercise prescriptions, improving access to personalized rehabilitation tools, and advancing AI-enabled systems to support long-term recovery, functional independence, and positive self-perception among burn survivors.

1. Introduction

Burn injuries represent a significant global health burden, resulting in considerable physical and psychological morbidity [1]. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, burn injuries continue to contribute substantially to disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) and years lived with disability (YLDs) worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries [2]. Survivors often face profound challenges including hypermetabolism, muscle wasting, scar formation, restricted mobility, and disrupted body image [3,4].

While advances in acute burn care have improved survival rates, long-term rehabilitation remains critical for restoring the functional capacity and quality of life [5,6]. Among the myriad consequences faced by burn survivors, two of the most critical are skeletal muscle deterioration and altered body image, both of which directly impair functional recovery, psychosocial well-being, and reintegration into daily life. These issues underscore the importance of comprehensive and targeted rehabilitation strategies that go beyond wound healing and survival. In recent years, structured physical activity, comprising resistance, aerobic, and functional training, has emerged as a cornerstone of post-burn rehabilitation strategies [7]. Beyond enhancing physical recovery, exercise interventions play an essential role in addressing the psychological sequelae of burns, particularly by improving self-perception and rebuilding body image, which are often severely impacted by visible scarring and functional limitations [8,9].

At the same time, advances in digital health are reshaping the landscape of rehabilitation [10]. In particular, artificial intelligence (AI) has gained traction as a transformative tool capable of personalizing exercise regimens, enhancing real-time monitoring, and predicting individual recovery trajectories [11,12]. These emerging technologies have the potential to optimize rehabilitation plans, extend care beyond hospital settings, and support long-term functional outcomes in burn survivors [13].

However, the implementation of both physical activity programs and AI-based tools in burn care is not without challenges. Barriers include thermoregulatory limitations, psychosocial resistance to exercise, accessibility to personalized programs, and technological gaps in clinical integration [14,15]. Addressing these obstacles is essential to realizing the full potential of integrated, multimodal rehabilitation strategies.

This narrative review seeks to synthesize the current knowledge on how structured physical activity and artificial intelligence can jointly support muscle recovery and body image restoration in burn survivors. Guided by the main research question—how can physical activity interventions and AI-driven technologies be integrated to optimize functional and aesthetic recovery after burn trauma?—this review provides a comprehensive overview of physiological mechanisms, clinical practices, implementation barriers, and future directions. Therefore, by exploring the intersection of exercise science and digital innovation, this review aims to highlight both the opportunities and limitations of contemporary rehabilitation approaches and to inform clinicians, researchers, and technologists about effective, individualized strategies for burn recovery.

The remainder of this review is structured as follows: Section 2 describes the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying muscle loss after burn injury. Section 3 presents evidence on exercise-based interventions for muscle recovery, while Section 4 explores the role of physical activity in restoring body image. Section 5 outlines key barriers to implementing exercise in burn survivors, and Section 6 discusses clinical implications, the integration of AI technologies, and future directions. The final section concludes with a summary and practical insights for advancing burn rehabilitation strategies.

As a narrative review, this article is based on literature selected through a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases conducted between 2000 and 2024. Search terms included combinations such as “burn rehabilitation,” “exercise,” “AI in healthcare,” “body image,” and “wearable sensors.” Studies were prioritized for inclusion based on their relevance to the physiological, psychological, or technological aspects of post-burn recovery. Emphasis was placed on peer-reviewed clinical trials, meta-analyses, and reviews, while emerging technologies were included when supported by preclinical or feasibility studies.

2. Pathophysiology of Muscle Loss After Burn Injury

Severe burn trauma triggers a profound and prolonged hypermetabolic and catabolic state, leading to extensive skeletal muscle loss [16,17]. Following a major burn injury, patients exhibit increased resting energy expenditure, elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, and significant hormonal dysregulation, including insulin resistance [3,18]. These metabolic disturbances result in a rapid degradation of muscle protein, compounding the effects of physical immobilization during the acute recovery phase. Post-burn sarcopenia is characterized by reductions in muscle cross-sectional area, fiber atrophy, and impaired muscle regeneration capacity [3]. Persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction further contribute to anabolic resistance and skeletal muscle weakness [18]. Additionally, acute sarcopenia, the rapid onset of muscle wasting following injury, shares mechanistic pathways with critical illness myopathy, complicating the recovery trajectory [19].

Without targeted interventions, this muscle wasting not only delays rehabilitation but also severely impacts the functional outcomes, thermoregulation, metabolic health, and quality of life [17]. Understanding these underlying mechanisms underscores the critical need for early and sustained rehabilitation strategies, particularly exercise-based therapies, to counteract muscle degradation and promote recovery.

3. Physical Activity Interventions for Muscle Recovery

Exercise-based rehabilitation is a cornerstone strategy for counteracting burn-induced muscle wasting and restoring functional capacity [7,20]. Following a major burn trauma, patients often experience profound hypermetabolism, systemic inflammation, and prolonged immobilization, all of which accelerate muscle atrophy. Early and sustained exercise interventions have demonstrated the potential to stimulate anabolic pathways, preserve lean body mass, and enhance physical performance in burn survivors [7,21]. Importantly, exercise not only mitigates catabolic processes but also supports mitochondrial function and insulin sensitivity, both of which are crucial for comprehensive metabolic recovery [22,23]. Therefore, implementing structured exercise regimens, individualized to injury severity and patient condition, is essential to optimize rehabilitation outcomes and prevent long-term disability.

3.1. Resistance Training

Resistance training is particularly effective in promoting muscle hypertrophy, strength gains, and neuromuscular reconditioning following burn injury [24,25]. Regular, progressive overload exercises targeting major muscle groups such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and upper body musculature mitigate disuse atrophy and stimulate functional strength improvements necessary for daily activities. Mechanistically, resistance exercise upregulates key anabolic signaling pathways, including the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which drive muscle protein synthesis [21]. Concurrently, it downregulates proteolytic factors such as myostatin that would otherwise inhibit muscle growth. Tailored resistance programs that prioritize functional outcomes, such as sit-to-stand ability, stair climbing, and gait strength, are especially valuable in enhancing independence, reducing the need for assistive devices, and improving the overall quality of life [26]. Attention to progression, volume, and intensity based on healing status is critical for ensuring safety while maximizing adaptation.

3.2. Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic training plays an indispensable role in enhancing cardiovascular fitness, oxygen delivery, and systemic metabolic efficiency [27]. Studies have shown that incorporating moderate-intensity endurance training significantly improves peak oxygen uptake (VO₂ peak) and walking capacity among burn survivors [7,28]. Improvements in aerobic capacity are particularly important because burn injury imposes considerable strain on both the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, often resulting in exercise intolerance. Particularly in pediatric populations, comparative assessments using the Six-Minute Walk Test and the Modified Bruce Treadmill Test have provided valuable insights into aerobic capacity, exercise tolerance, and recovery patterns post-burn [29]. Beyond fitness improvements, aerobic exercise contributes to reductions in systemic inflammation, improves endothelial function, and ameliorates insulin resistance [30,31]—key factors involved in the chronic hypermetabolic state that persists long after wound closure. Aerobic conditioning also promotes psychological resilience, which indirectly supports physical rehabilitation adherence.

3.3. Combined Modalities and Early Initiation

Emerging evidence supports the use of combined resistance and aerobic training to maximize recovery outcomes. Integrated programs leverage the unique physiological benefits of each type of exercise, synergistically enhancing both muscle mass and cardiovascular endurance. Schieffelers, et al. [32] demonstrated that the early initiation of combined exercise training following severe burns leads to superior improvements in muscle strength, endurance, functional mobility, and overall physical function compared to delayed or isolated interventions. The timing of initiation is critical; starting rehabilitation exercise during the subacute phase, once wound stabilization permits, optimizes neuroplasticity and functional adaptation. Nevertheless, early mobilization requires stringent safety protocols, including thorough wound monitoring, graft protection strategies, and individualized pain management, to minimize the risks of complications such as graft dehiscence or secondary infections. A patient-centered progressive approach ensures that physical stress is introduced at a rate that promotes adaptation without exacerbating injury or psychological stress.

In summary, structured physical activity, initiated as early as clinically feasible and individualized to patient capacity, is critical for optimizing muscle recovery, preserving functional independence, and promoting long-term metabolic and psychological health following burn trauma. Exercise interventions must be carefully designed, closely monitored, and adapted to each survivor’s evolving needs to ensure safe and sustainable rehabilitation progress. Figure 1 summarizes the main exercise strategies promoting muscle recovery post-burn, highlighting the roles of resistance training, aerobic conditioning, and early combined modalities in supporting muscular, cardiovascular, metabolic, and psychological outcomes.

4. Physical Activity and Body Image Restoration

Burn trauma impacts not only the physical structure of the body but also deeply disrupts body image, self-esteem, and emotional well-being. Visible scarring, contractures, and functional limitations often lead to altered self-perception, social withdrawal, anxiety, and depression [4,33]. These psychological sequelae are compounded by the disfigurement and bodily asymmetries that many burn survivors experience, making aesthetic and emotional recovery an essential dimension of rehabilitation [8]. Structured physical activity, particularly when integrated into individualized rehabilitation programs, plays a vital role in restoring both physical form and psychological resilience, acting as a bridge between functional recovery and emotional reintegration [9,34].

4.1. Scar Management and Aesthetic Improvement

Scar tissue, while a natural outcome of wound healing, can significantly impair aesthetic appearance and restrict functional movement. The physical properties of hypertrophic scars, including thickness, stiffness, and discoloration, contribute to body dissatisfaction and can limit the range of motion. Physical therapies aimed at scar modulation, including stretching, massage, targeted resistance exercises, and compression garment use, have been shown to improve scar pliability and cosmetic appearance [8,35]. Exercise that incorporates dynamic stretching and functional movement retraining facilitates improved scar alignment along lines of stress, promoting more favorable healing patterns [36]. These improvements not only restore physical function but also contribute significantly to survivors’ satisfaction with their appearance, bolstering emotional recovery and reducing feelings of stigma.

4.2. Microvascular and Tissue Recovery

Physical activity enhances microvascular function, an essential element of tissue regeneration and scar quality. Romero, et al. [9] demonstrated that aerobic exercise improves endothelial function, enhancing perfusion and oxygenation of injured tissues. Improved microcirculation accelerates collagen remodeling and supports healthier, more pliable scar tissue, thus influencing both functional outcomes and aesthetic results. Additionally, Rowe, et al. [34] and Osborne, et al. [37] reported that exercise interventions reduced chronic inflammation, which is associated with impaired scar maturation and systemic metabolic dysfunction. Through these mechanisms, structured exercise programs contribute directly to both internal healing and external appearance, reinforcing the interconnectedness of physiological and aesthetic rehabilitation processes.

4.3. Psychological and Emotional Resilience

Beyond physiological restoration, physical activity exerts profound effects on emotional health and body image perception. Participation in exercise enhances self-efficacy, fosters a sense of bodily mastery, and provides opportunities for positive body experiences, which are important factors for individuals who may otherwise view their bodies, primarily through the lens of injury and disfigurement [38]. Studies have shown that consistent physical activity participation is associated with improved self-esteem, decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety, and greater overall life satisfaction among burn survivors [34,37]. Furthermore, participation in structured group or supervised programs can facilitate social reintegration, offering supportive environments where survivors can rebuild confidence and normalize their experiences.

4.4. Aesthetic Rehabilitation and Holistic Wellbeing

Recent advances in aesthetic rehabilitation medicine underscore the importance of addressing both functional deficits and patients’ desires for improved appearance and emotional well-being. Lippi, et al. [33] emphasized that interventions aimed at enhancing posture, symmetry, scar appearance, and physical performance play a crucial role in restoring self-perception after trauma. Exercise programs tailored to address both functional and aesthetic goals align closely with these principles, providing a holistic recovery model that acknowledges the survivor’s full spectrum of needs. By integrating physical training with attention to aesthetic outcomes, rehabilitation can move beyond mere survival to foster resilience, pride, and renewed self-respect.

Thus, structured physical activity represents a dual therapeutic strategy that enhances visible body restoration and internal emotional healing, ultimately contributing to a more complete and enduring recovery following burn trauma (Figure 2).

5. Challenges and Barriers to Exercise in Burn Survivors

Despite the proven benefits of physical activity in burn rehabilitation, numerous challenges can limit exercise participation and effectiveness in this population. Barriers exist across physiological, psychological, and environmental domains and must be carefully considered when designing individualized rehabilitation programs.

Severe burns often lead to persistent impairments in thermoregulation, cardiovascular function, and musculoskeletal integrity. Burn survivors demonstrate impaired sweat responses and altered skin blood flow, which increase their risk of overheating during exercise [39,40,41]. Burn survivors face an increased risk of ultraviolet exposure during outdoor physical therapy [42]. Additionally, Belval, et al. [39] showed that the extent of burn size and environmental conditions, particularly heat and humidity, can significantly exacerbate exercise-induced thermal strain, limiting both the duration and intensity of safe activity.

Pain, limited range of motion, and skin graft fragility further constrain physical capacity. Scar tissue often restricts joint mobility and muscle extensibility, thereby increasing the risk of injury during exercise without adequate preparation and supervision.

Psychological sequelae, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and body image disturbances, present significant obstacles to initiating and sustaining exercise programs. Osborne, et al. [4] emphasized that the chronic stress response in burn survivors can impair motivation, reduce adherence to rehabilitation, and worsen outcomes if psychological needs are not concurrently addressed.

Fear of injury, embarrassment about appearance, and social isolation can further diminish participation rates. Therefore, integrating psychosocial support and gradual exposure strategies into exercise programs is critical to overcoming psychological barriers.

Access to specialized rehabilitation centers, availability of trained personnel, and financial constraints also affect the feasibility of consistent exercise interventions. Furthermore, the need for climate-controlled environments to manage thermoregulation adds logistical complexity, particularly in regions with extreme temperatures.

Addressing these barriers requires a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach that prioritizes safety, psychological readiness, and environmental adaptation to maximize exercise benefits and promote long-term engagement.

6. Clinical Implications and Future Directions

Exercise-based rehabilitation represents a fundamental component of comprehensive burn care, offering significant benefits for muscle recovery, functional restoration, scar management, and psychological well-being. Physical activity interventions must be carefully tailored to the unique physiological and psychological challenges faced by burn survivors to maximize therapeutic outcomes.

6.1. Best Practices in Exercise Rehabilitation

Strong evidence supports the early integration of structured physical activity programs, encompassing resistance training, aerobic conditioning, and flexibility exercises, into burn rehabilitation protocols. Research showed that individualized, progressive exercise interventions significantly improve the strength, mobility, endurance, and overall quality of life in burn survivors [32,43]. Early initiation of physical activity, as soon as clinically feasible, is associated with better outcomes, provided that exercise intensity and volume are carefully adjusted to account for wound healing status and thermoregulatory limitations.

In addition to exercise, compression therapy also plays a complementary role in managing hypertrophic scarring and enhancing functional mobility. Compression garments assist in modulating collagen deposition and scar remodeling, thereby supporting both aesthetic and functional recovery goals [35]. Incorporating compression strategies alongside physical activity optimizes overall rehabilitation effectiveness.

6.2. Emerging Therapeutic Strategies

Recent advances in burn rehabilitation highlight the value of multimodal approaches that integrate physical activity with adjunct therapies to enhance tissue healing and psychological adaptation.

Innovative techniques such as aquatic exercise therapy, which provides reduced joint loading and improved thermoregulation, and home-based virtual reality rehabilitation interventions, designed to enhance adherence to exercise programs and reduce psychological barriers, are gaining attention as promising adjuncts to traditional exercise programs [44]. Additionally, monitoring skin temperature behavior through infrared thermography has been shown to be an effective method for evaluating physiological stress and thermal responses during rehabilitation [45].

Preliminary studies have begun to explore patient experiences with newer rehabilitation tools. For instance, Sibbett et al. [44] reported that patients using home-based VR rehabilitation tools described improved motivation, reduced anxiety, and enhanced adherence to exercise routines. Similarly, compression garments were reported to provide both physical support and aesthetic reassurance, contributing to improved self-image and social confidence. Future research should incorporate qualitative assessments to better capture survivor perspectives on the acceptability and psychological impact of these interventions.

7. AI-Driven and Digital Technologies in Burn Rehabilitation

Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) are opening new frontiers in burn rehabilitation by enabling individualized care, real-time monitoring, and predictive analytics. AI-based platforms—ranging from clinical decision support systems to wearable-integrated mobile applications—offer the ability to process complex physiological data and generate actionable insights tailored to each patient’s recovery trajectory.

7.1. Wearables and Biosensors

Wearable biosensors and smart textiles are increasingly being developed to monitor the skin temperature, hydration status, sweat composition, and even biochemical markers of inflammation and tissue repair [46,47]. These continuous data streams, when analyzed through machine learning models, can inform exercise dosing, detect early signs of overheating or dehydration, and trigger timely adjustments in rehabilitation intensity. Such real-time feedback is particularly valuable in outpatient or home-based rehabilitation settings, where direct supervision by clinicians may be limited.

In addition to physiological tracking, AI-driven image analysis holds promise for automating the assessment of wound healing and scar remodeling. Using high-resolution photography and computer vision algorithms, these systems can quantify scar thickness, pigmentation, vascularity, and elasticity over time—metrics that are otherwise challenging to assess objectively. By facilitating longitudinal monitoring, AI can support clinicians in evaluating treatment efficacy and making data-informed adjustments to compression therapy, laser interventions, or physical therapy regimens [48]. Tactical AI applications in elite sports, such as those analyzing defensive behaviors in football, demonstrate how algorithmic modeling can be adapted for predictive analysis in rehabilitation settings [49]. Moreover, predictive models based on large datasets may one day forecast recovery outcomes such as hypertrophic scar development, contracture risk, or responsiveness to specific exercise modalities. These insights could allow for earlier, more targeted interventions and reduce the likelihood of long-term disability.

Despite its promise, AI-based rehabilitation tools raise critical equity concerns. Socioeconomic disparities may limit access to wearable biosensors and home-based digital platforms, especially in low-income or rural populations. Furthermore, AI models trained on limited or non-diverse datasets may produce biased predictions, particularly when evaluating skin tone, scar pigmentation, or wound healing in patients with darker skin. Addressing these limitations requires inclusive data collection, development of culturally adapted tools, and integration of AI technologies into public healthcare frameworks to avoid widening existing care gaps.

However, successful implementation of AI in burn rehabilitation requires addressing several challenges, including data privacy, interoperability with electronic health records, and the need for model validation across diverse patient populations. It is also essential to ensure that AI tools are trained on inclusive datasets to avoid performance disparities in patients with different skin tones, injury patterns, or socioeconomic backgrounds.

As these technologies mature, their integration into multidisciplinary burn care offers the potential to enhance clinical decision-making, improve safety and adherence, and deliver more equitable, personalized rehabilitation strategies (

Table 1. Overview of emerging technologies in burn rehabilitation and their clinical applications.

Technology	Functionality	Benefits	Limitations	Readiness Level
Wearable sensors	Track movement, temp, hydration	Real-time monitoring	Cost, limited burn-specific data	Moderate
AI wound assessment	Predict scar/wound healing via imaging	Objective scar tracking	Skin tone bias, limited validation	Low–Moderate
VR therapy	Pain distraction, movement training	Improved adherence, motivation	Equipment access	Moderate
Serious games	Gamified rehab, especially for children	Engagement, motor/cognitive gain	Few burn-specific tools	Low–Moderate
Compression garments with sensors	Monitor pressure and response	Personalization, scar optimization	Cost, experimental stage	Low

). AI thus represents not a replacement for human expertise, but a powerful extension of it—supporting both patients and practitioners in the complex journey of recovery from burn trauma.

7.2. Virtual Reality and Serious Games in Rehabilitation

Virtual reality (VR) and serious games are emerging as promising adjuncts in burn rehabilitation due to their ability to enhance patient engagement, alleviate procedural pain, and support both motor and psychological recovery. These technologies create immersive environments in which patients can perform therapeutic exercises or interact with scenarios designed to promote movement, concentration, and emotional regulation [9].

VR therapy has demonstrated efficacy in reducing pain perception during wound care and physical therapy, primarily through cognitive distraction and sensory engagement. In the context of rehabilitation, VR platforms can facilitate joint mobilization, range-of-motion exercises, and simulated functional tasks. Importantly, these systems can be tailored to individual capabilities, offering adjustable difficulty levels and real-time feedback, which helps to improve adherence and motivation [44].

Serious games—digital applications with explicit educational or therapeutic goals—have also shown considerable potential in physical and cognitive rehabilitation, particularly among pediatric and adolescent burn survivors. These games can be designed to include upper and lower limb exercises, balance and coordination tasks, and cognitive challenges, all within a gamified framework that promotes motivation and consistency [44]. Their interactive and playful nature makes them especially effective in sustaining engagement during long-term recovery, when fatigue and emotional stress can hinder participation in traditional therapy.

Despite their potential, the application of VR and serious games in burn care remains in its early stages. Challenges include the limited availability of burn-specific platforms, high equipment costs, and inconsistencies in user interface design. Moreover, few of these tools have undergone rigorous clinical validation. There is a pressing need for randomized trials to assess their efficacy and safety compared to standard rehabilitation approaches.

Looking ahead, future development should focus on the co-design of serious games with input from burn survivors, rehabilitation specialists, and developers to ensure therapeutic relevance, safety, and emotional appropriateness. As mobile technologies and wearable devices become more accessible, VR and game-based interventions may become increasingly scalable and adaptable for home-based or remotely supervised rehabilitation programs [8].

7.3. Research Gaps and Future Directions

Despite the strong existing evidence, several critical areas warrant further research, as follows:

• Long-term randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the sustained effects of various exercise modalities on scar quality, muscular recovery, psychological well-being, and quality of life.
• The development of standardized exercise prescription guidelines specific to burn injury populations is essential to ensure safety, efficacy, and reproducibility across rehabilitation settings.
• Greater emphasis must be placed on individualized, culturally sensitive, and resource-adapted physical activity programs to address disparities in access to high-quality burn rehabilitation services globally.

Overall, structured and appropriately progressed physical activity interventions form a cornerstone of holistic burn rehabilitation, supporting both functional health recovery and positive self-perception restoration among survivors.

7.4. Priority Areas for Future Research

Based on current limitations and emerging needs in the field, the following research directions are proposed as priorities:

Standardized Exercise Prescriptions—There is a need to develop phase-specific exercise guidelines for burn survivors, including parameters for initiation, intensity, and progression during wound recovery and scar maturation.

Longitudinal Studies—Future research should include long-term randomized controlled trials assessing the sustainability of physical and psychological benefits of exercise and digital interventions.

Equity and Access to AI Tools—Investigations are required into how AI-based platforms can be adapted for use in resource-limited settings to reduce inequalities in burn rehabilitation.

User-Centered Design—Incorporating patient feedback into the development of AI and VR tools can ensure usability, cultural relevance, and emotional comfort during rehabilitation.

Safety Monitoring and Feedback Systems—Research should aim to validate real-time feedback mechanisms for exercise safety, especially regarding thermoregulation, scar fragility, and mobility limitations.

8. Conclusions

Burn rehabilitation is a complex and evolving field, requiring multidisciplinary approaches that address both physical recovery and psychological well-being. Structured physical activity remains a cornerstone of effective rehabilitation, improving strength, function, and self-perception. At the same time, emerging technologies such as wearable biosensors, virtual reality, and AI-based decision support systems offer new opportunities to personalize and extend care beyond clinical settings. While these tools are still maturing, their integration—when guided by ethical, inclusive, and evidence-based principles—can enhance both the quality and equity of burn rehabilitation. Continued collaboration between clinicians, technologists, and patients will be essential in transforming these innovations from potential into practice.