Effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on denervation atrophy and function caused by sciatic nerve injury

[Purpose] The present study examined the effects of treatment using extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on the muscle weight and function of the hind limb in sciatic nerve injury. [Subjects] Forty rats with sciatic nerve crushing injury were randomly divided into two groups: an ESWT group (n=20), and a control group (n=20). [Methods] The ESWT group received extracorporeal shock wave treatment, and the control group did not receive any treatment after injury. Experimental animals were measured for muscle weight on an electronic scale and were tested for function on a sciatic functional index (SFI). [Results] All groups showed significant increases in the weights of the left soleus and gastrocnemius muscles, and decreases in the weights of the right soleus and gastrocnemius muscles (p<0.05). Comparison of SFI scores and muscle weights between the groups showed significant differences in SFI scores, and the right soleus and gastrocnemius muscles (p<0.05) [Conclusion] Exercise programs that use ESWT can be said to be effective at improving the function of the sciatic nerve and preventing the denervation atrophy.