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.