Nociceptive evaluation of the association between physical exercises and platelet-rich fibrin in Wistar rats submitted to median nerve compression

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Platelet-rich fibrin is a new and promising technique to accelerate repair, with possible analgesic effects; however, there is still a gap with regard to peripheral nerve injury and the association with physical exercises. So, this study aimed at evaluating the effects of platelet-rich fibrin associated to physical exercises on nociception and edema in experimental median nerve compression model.

METHODS:

Thirty-six rats, all submitted to median nerve compression, were divided in six groups: G1: without additional manipulation; G2: compression and treated with platelet-rich fibrin; G3: compression and treated with free swimming; G4: compression and walking on a treadmill; G5: free swimming + platelet-rich fibrin; G6: walking on a treadmill + platelet-rich fibrin. Injury was induced by tying the median nerve with chrome plated catgut 4.0. Platelet-rich fibrin was obtained by centrifuging 1.5 mL of blood and positioning the fibrin clot directly on the compression region. Exercises were carried out during two weeks, between the 3^rd and 14^th postoperative days. Nociception and edema were evaluated, respectively, by flinch threshold and plethysmometer, in moments before injury and in the 3^rd, 7^th and 15^th postoperative days.

RESULTS:

There have been no differences among groups, only among evaluations, showing increased nociception and edema, which has lasted or improved, respectively, over time.

CONCLUSION:

Platelet-rich fibrin alone or associated to physical exercises has not changed nociception and edema.

Keywords:
Edema; Exercise therapy; Inflammation; Pain measurement