INTRODUCTION: Effect of whole body exposure to pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve transection model was assessed. METHODS: Sixty male white Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups (n = 15), randomly: In transected group (TC) left sciatic nerve was transected and stumps were fixed in adjacent muscle. In chitosan group (CHIT) the defect was bridged using a chitosan conduit filled with phosphate-buffered saline. In treatment group (CHIT/PEMF) the whole body was exposed to PEMF (0.3 mT, 2 Hz) for 4 h/day within 1-5 days. In normal control group (NC) sciatic nerve was only dissected and manipulated. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups of five animals each and nerve fibers were studied 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Behavioral, functional, electrophysiological, biomechanical, gastrocnemius muscle mass findings and morphometric indices confirmed faster recovery of regenerated axons in CHIT/PEMF than in CHIT group (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical reactions to S-100 in CHIT/PEMF were more positive than that in CHIT group. DISCUSSION: Whole body exposure to PEMF improved functional recovery and morphometric indices of sciatic nerve. Detailed mechanism of neuroprotective action remains to be investigated. CONCLUSION: PEMF combine with chitosan grafting could be considered as an effective, safe and tolerable treatment for peripheral nerve repair in clinical practice.