Effects of two intensities of treadmill exercise on neuromuscular recovery after median nerve crush injury in Wistar rats

Considering the potential action of exercise on neuroplasticity and the need to adapt protocols to enhance functional recovery after nerve injury, this study evaluated the effects of two intensities of treadmill exercise on nervous and muscular tissues and functional recovery after nerve crush injury. Wistar rats were distributed into sedentary group (SED), and 10 m/min (EG10) and 17 m/min (EG17) exercise groups. The exercise started one week after the injury. Ten daily sessions were performed with a 2-day interval after the fifth day. The flexor digitorum muscle and two segments of the median nerve were analysed histomorphometrically by light microscopy and computer analysis. Function was evaluated by grasping test, in 3 moments. Approval number: 016/2013. In the proximal segments of the median nerve, the diameter of myelinated fibres and axon, the myelin sheath thickness and the ratio of axon diameter to fibre diameter (g ratio) were significantly larger (P<0.05) in the EG10. The number of myelinated fibres was lesser in the EG17 than the other groups (P<0.05). No difference in the number of myelinated fibres among groups was observed in the distal segments, but the SED presented significantly larger axon and fibre diameters than those that performed exercise. The EG10 presented greater area and diameter of muscle fibres (P<0.05) and functional improvement observed on the 21st day after injury (P<0.05) compared with the EG17 and SED. Continuous exercise at 10 m/min accentuates nerve regeneration, accelerating functional recovery and preventing muscle atrophy.