Advances in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Study Methods: A Systematic Literature Review

Peripheral nerve injuries are a common condition seen in healthcare facilities; it has been discovered that almost one-third of peripheral nerve injury cases show insufficient recovery of nerve function. There are a number of contributory variables that delay the restoration of nerve function, such as insufficient molecular-level support, aging-related factors and regeneration. Considering the complexity of the process and the effects of peripheral nerve injury, this study aims to review the current literature on peripheral nerve regeneration, with a focus on research models, intervention strategies, evaluation parameters, and reported outcomes.

Several databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Research Gate, and Web of Science, were used for the literature search. This systematic literature review was carried out using PRISMA guidelines as a basis for analysis. The articles were evaluated according to the year, type of injury, animal model, study intervention, and regeneration outcome.

Five rodent-based studies and human peripheral nerve injury published within the past 15 years. These studies involved either nerve compression or transection models and interventions such as aerobic exercise, electrical stimulation, and stem cell therapy. Regeneration was evaluated through histomorphology, immunohistochemistry, gait analysis, and electrophysiological tests, are characteristics that indicate satisfactory regeneration findings across all studies.

This review highlights the diversity of experimental models and therapeutic approaches used in peripheral nerve regeneration research, proves essential for accurately determining regeneration outcomes. These findings support the continued development of integrated strategies to enhance and evaluate peripheral nerve repair in future studies.