Walking Analysis Using TFI, PFI, TOA and Q1-Q4 Angles for Sciatic Nerve Function in Sciatic Rat Model Treated with Low-Intensity Aerobics

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve injury is one of the neurological diseases that occur in the productive age population. The perceived disturbance from the injury can be chronic and cause a person with peripheral nerve injury to have difficulty in daily activities. Currently, physical exercise such as aerobics is considered to have benefits for reducing disorders caused by peripheral nerve injuries. But it is necessary to do research to find out how much influence low-intensity physical exercise has on peripheral nerve regeneration.
AIM: This study aims to determine the effect of low-intensity physical exercise therapy on peripheral nerve regeneration through walking analysis.
METHODS: The experimental study used male Sprague Dawley rats which were divided into three groups. Each group was treated with sham surgery (control), peripheral nerve injury with aerobic therapy (P1), and peripheral nerve injury without aerobic therapy (P2). Aerobics is given for 42 days with an intensity of 1 time every week. Furthermore, nerve regeneration was assessed by measuring the Tibial FunctionalIndex (TFI), Peroneal Functional Index (PFI), Toe Out Angle (TOA) and Q1-Q4 angles.
RESULTS: There was a significant change in the P1 group compared to the control on day 14 of the TFI examination, then on the examination of PFI, TOA, and Q1-Q4 angels there was a significant difference on certain days between the P1 and P2 groups with the control group.
CONCLUSION: Low-intensity aerobics can increase the regeneration of the peripheral nerves. Functional improvement due to the process of nerve regeneration appeared to be significant on TFI assessment, especially on day 14.
Funding Source : This work was supported by a grant from Indonesia Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education Grant, with contract number NKB-016/UN2.RST/HKP.05.00/2021