Effectiveness of an aquatic exercise program and low-level laser therapy on articular cartilage in an experimental model of osteoarthritis in rats

Milares, Luiz Paulo [UNIFESP]; Assis, Livia [UNIFESP]; Siqueira, Amanda [UNIFESP]; Claudino, Vitoria [UNIFESP]; Domingos, Heloisa [UNIFESP]; Almeida, Thais [UNIFESP]; Tim, Carla [UNIFESP]; Renno, Ana Claudia Muniz [UNIFESP]

Effectiveness of an aquatic exercise program and low-level laser therapy on articular cartilage in an experimental model of osteoarthritis in rats

Data

2016

Autores

Milares, Luiz Paulo

Assis, Livia

Siqueira, Amanda

Claudino, Vitoria

Domingos, Heloisa

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Resumo

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an aquatic exercise program and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) (associated or not) on degenerative modifications and inflammatory mediators on the articular cartilage using an experimental model of knee OA. Method: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: knee OA – without treatment (OA); OA plus exercise program group (OAE); OA plus LLLT (OAL); OA plus exercise program associated with LLLT (OAEL). Trained rats performed a water-jumping program carrying a load equivalent to 50-80 % of their body mass strapped to their chest. The laser irradiation was used either as the only method or after the exercise training had been performed, at 2 points contact mode (medial and lateral side of the left joint). The treatments started 4 weeks after the surgery, 3 days/week for 8 weeks. Results: The results revealed that all treated groups (irradiated or not) exhibited a better pattern of tissue organization, with less fibrillation and irregularities along the articular surface and improved chondrocytes organization. Also, a lower cellular density and structural damage (OARSI score) and higher thickness values were observed in all treated groups. Additionally, OAE and OAEL showed a reduced expression in IL-1β and caspase-3 as compared with OA. Furthermore, a statistically lower MMP-13 expression was only observed in OAEL as compared with OA. Conclusion: These results suggest that aquatic exercise program and LLLT were effective in preventing cartilage degeneration. Also, physical exercise program presented anti-inflammatory effects in the knees in OA rats.

Citação

Connective Tissue Research. Philadelphia, v. 57, n. 5, p. 398-407, 2016.