Journal of Korean Burn Society  2009;12(2):159-163

Effect of Laughter Therapy on Recovery of Facial Burn Scar.

Kyung Ja KIM 1 ; Woon Ja SON ; Kiun JANG ; Jinhee KIM ; Cheong Hoon SEO ; Jonghyun KIM ; Wook CHUN ; Jun HUR ; Dohern KIM ; Yongsuk CHO ; Haejun YIM ; Byoung Chul LEE

Affiliations

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Keywords

Laughter therapy; Burn; Hypertrophic scar; Disability; Rehabilitation

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare the scar formation after laughter therapy in facial burn scar and to make facial burn rehabilitation program. METHODS: In a prospective clinical trial, laughter therapy was done in 12 facial burn injury patients. One group pretest-posttest design was done. After 8 weeks group laughter therapy session, we measured scar condition. Facial burn scar were checked. Scars were assessed with objective measurement tools such as pigmentation, erythema, pliability, transepidermal water loss, thickness and perfusion. RESULTS: Pigmentation value was decreased significantly: 211.6+/-71.9 to 177.8+/-57.1 (p<0.05). Erythema value increased from 432.3+/-62.5 to 451.1+/-49.7 (p>0.05). Transepidermal water loss value changed from 40.7+/-15.9 g/h/m2 to 37.8+/-15.4 g/h/m2 (p>0.05). Microcirculation value was decreased significantly (0.80+/-0.05 volt to 0.43+/-0.19 volt)(p<0.05). Skin elasticity level (R0) was significantly increased (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Laughter therapy in burn patients could be an alternative treatment to control burn scar contracture. In the future, more studies are needed how laughter therapy may affect the skin condition of the burn injuries.