Optimal protocol of ultrasonic stimulation for peripheral nerve regeneration

Abstract

Peripheral nerve injury causes motor functional disorder and reduces patients' quality of life. In spite of the intrinsic regeneration ability, the low rate of nerve regeneration inhibits functional recovery. In order to solve this problem, treatment approaches for accelerating nerve regeneration need to be developed. Many studies have reported that exercise and physical stimulation not only prevented muscle atrophy or joint contraction but also promoted nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Ultrasound, as one of the physical agents, has attracted attention due to its non-invasion and painlessness. It was verified that ultrasonic stimulation promoted nerve regeneration in preclinical studies, but the optimal intervention method was unclear and exposed to be clarified. We investigate peripheral nerve regeneration resulting from ultrasonic stimulation in the rat sciatic nerve crush injury model. This presentation will introduce our studies on the optimal intensity and initiation time of ultrasonic stimulation for promoting peripheral nerve regeneration.