The effect of physical exercise on functional recovery following a peripheral nerve lesion in the rat

Abstract

Preliminary results of the effects of physical exercise on recovery of function of peripheral nerves following a crush lesion are reported. The right sciatic nerves of 30 Wistar rats were crushed. They were then randomised over three groups: one group was kept in standard cages (control), one group was kept in an enriched environment (enriched cage) and one group was trained 5×7 min per day in a drink-trainer (drink-training). Evaluations of walking pattern (functional motor behaviour) and reactions to a mild electric stimulus to the sole of the foot (sensory function) were used to quantify the recovery of function. Both the ‘enriched environment’ and ‘trained’ groups of rats showed enhanced recovery as compared to the control group. The results of this experiment suggest a neurotrophic effect of physical exercise on peripheral nerves after a crush lesion.