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

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 3rd and 14th postoperative days. Nociception and edema were evaluated, respectively, by flinch threshold and plethysmometer, in moments before injury and in the 3rd, 7th and 15th 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.