Whole-body vibration therapy does not improve the peripheral nerve regeneration in experimental model

OBJECTIVES: Whole-body vibration (WBV) is commonly used to improve motor function, balance and functional performance, but its effects on the body are not fully understood. The main objective was to evaluate the morphometric and functional effects of WBV in an experimental nerve regeneration model. METHODS: Wistar rats were submitted to unilateral sciatic nerve crush and treated with WBV (4-5 weeks), started at 3 or 10 days after injury. Functional performances were weekly assessed by sciatic functional index, horizontal ladder rung walking and narrow beam tests. Nerve histomorphometry analysis was assessed at the end of the protocol. RESULTS: Injured groups, sedentary and WBV started at 3 days, had similar functional deficits. WBV, regardless of the start time, did not alter the histomorphometry parameters in the regeneration process. CONCLUSIONS: The earlier therapy did not change the expected and natural recovery after the nerve lesion, but when the WBV starts later it seems to impair function parameter of recovery.