Efeito da natação na regeneração do nervo ciático após neurotmese experimental

Abstract

Introduction: Injuries in peripheral nerves can irreversibly impair the functionality of the affected limb. Objective: To evaluate the effect of swimming in water on the sciatic nerve regeneration after injury by neurotmesis. Methodology: It was used 14 male rats (Wistar) separated in Control Group (GC, n = 4), Group Swimming without Injury (GLSN, n = 5), Swimming Injury Group (GLN, n = 5). After 60 days, the GLN was adapted to the water for 5 days, increasing time of activity in the water. GLN and GLSN underwent neurotmesis sciatic nerve of the right foot. After 48 hours on the injury, the GLN was subjected to a protocol of swimming lasting 30 minutes, 5 times a week, for 28 days. At the same time, the GLSN was underwent to water stress. After 120 days, was performed in all animals, the collection of the sciatic nerve for histomorphometric analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using the ANOVA and Tukey´s post-hoc test expressed as mean ± standard deviation, using 5% level of significance. Results: Was identify an equivalent number of myelin fibers in the GLN and GLSN, but lower than the GC. There was an increase in the number of newly formed vessels in GLN, compared to the GC and the GLSN. Conclusion: The exercise protocol used in this study suggests an increase in neovascularization in the nerve injured of the animals without compromising the regenerative process.