Abstract

BARBOSA, Rafael Inácio et al. Effect of low- power laser (660 nm) on regeneration of injured rat sciatic nerve. Fisioter. Pesqui. [online]. 2010, vol.17, n.4, pp. 294-299. ISSN 1809-2950.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1809-29502010000400002.

Peripheral nerves, when injured, may originate important motor and sensitive disability. Studies have used several therapeutic resources in order to achieve early nervous regeneration, such as low-power laser; but there is no consensus on its use, which leads to controversial conclusions. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of GaAlAs laser (660 nm) on functional recovery of the sciatic nerve in rats. Sciatic nerves of 18 Wistar rats were crushed and divided into sham group and treated group, the latter submitted to laser therapy (660 nm, 10 J/cm², 30 mW and 0.06 cm2) for 21 days. The sciatic functional index (SFI) was measured before surgery and on the 7th, 14th and 21st postoperative days. A significant difference, showing better regeneration of the treated group, was found when comparing SFI on the 14th day. Hence, the use of low-power laser, with the parameters and methods here used, showed positive results in early regenerating rat crushed sciatic nerve.

Keywords : Functional laterality; Infants and toddlers; Motor activity; Movement, reaching.