Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of direct current electrical fields and peripheral external electrical stimulation to promote regeneration of the transected rat sciatic nerve.

Method: Four groups were studied: three experimental groups and one control group. Cathod distal (CD) group; nerves were treated with 1.0 μA direct current with the cathode oriented distally to the lesion, anode distal (AD) group; nerves were treated with the anode oriented distally to the lesion, external stimulation (ES) group; nerves were treated with 3 mA, 60 Hz, galvanic current, using a ring electrode at ankle joint 3 times per day. No current was delivered in control group. Electrophysiologic and functional assessments were conducted at 3 weeks postoperatively.

Results: All experimental groups showed significantly higher electrophysiologic and functional improvement than the control group. However, there is no significant differece in improvement among experimental groups.

Conclusion: Both direct current electrical field and peripheral external electrical stimulation can effectively promote peripheral nerve regeneration.

Keywords :Electrical stimulation, Nerve regeneration, Nerve injury