Tensiometric evaluation of the effect of lowfrequency electric stimulation on healing Achilles tendons in rats

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects of low-frequency electric stimulation on biomechanics following surgical treatment of the Achilles tendon in rats. Methods: Forty-two rats were divided into two groups. One was given electric stimulation and the other was not. All were submitted to Achilles tenotomy and tenorrhaphy performed with a modified Kessler stitch. The experiment group underwent electric stimulation with 2 Hz, a nonpolarized current of 1 mA intensity for 14 days. The animals were euthanized at 2, 4 and 6 weeks for the biomechanical study. Results: The work performed, that is, the tendon’s capacity to absorb energy until rupture, was greater in the electrically stimulated group in the 2nd (p = 0.032) and in the 6th week (p = 0.010). The maximum tension, which is the capacity to support a load, was higher in the treated group in the 2nd (p = 0.030) and the 6th week (p = 024). These results indicate greater resistance of the electrically stimulated tendons. An analysis of the elastic module showed no differences. Conclusion: Low-frequency electric stimulation increased the resistance of the tendons at 2 and 6 weeks of evolution in rats.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Casagrande,Sharbo Martins, Biondo-Simões,Maria de Lourdes Pessole, Berti,Lucas Freitas, Robes,Rogério Ribeiro, Biondo-Simões,Rachel, Nakadomari,Thaísa Sami, Henning Junior,Lucélio
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Sociedade Brasileira para o Desenvolvimento da Pesquisa em Cirurgia 2020
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-86502020001100202
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