Exercise training improves functional recovery and motor nerve conduction velocity after sciatic nerve crush lesion in the rat.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of exercise training on recuperation of sensorimotor function in the early phase of regeneration, and to monitor the long-term effects of exercise on electrophysiological aspects of the regenerating nerve. DESIGN: After sciatic nerve crush in 20 male Wistar rats, one random selected group was subjected to 24 days of exercise training, whereas the other group served as sedentary controls. INTERVENTIONS: Exercise training was induced for 24 days, starting the first postoperation day, by placing bottles of water at such a height that the exercising rats had to maximally erect on both hindpaws to drink. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Recovery of motor and sensory function in the early phase was monitored by analysis of the free walking pattern and the foot reflex withdrawal test, respectively. Electrophysiological measurements on postoperation days 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 were used to evaluate the late phase of recovery of nerve conduction velocity. RESULTS: During the early phase of the recovery period, exercise training enhanced functional recovery. The motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), as measured in the late phase of recovery, was significantly better in the trained group than in the control group (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that exercise training enhances the return of sensomotoric function in the early phase of recovery from peripheral nerve lesion. Furthermore, these results suggest that the beneficial effects of 24 days of exercise training after crush persist in the late phase of peripheral nerve recovery.