After severe burns (≥ 30% total body surface area [TBSA] burns, patients enter a persistent and extensive hypermetabolic and catabolic state. Unfortunately, burn-induced muscle catabolism is exacerbated by the prolonged bed rest and inactivity that accompanies hospitalization, leading to further loss of muscle mass and extreme weakness. The persistence of weakness, fatigue, and muscle catabolism from prolonged bed rest and inactivity during the acute care stage ultimately delays rehabilitation and return to normal physical activities. Studies conducted in non-burn patients have shown that, aside from decreasing muscle mass, prolonged bed rest has a host of other negative physiological consequences.