The biomechanical responses to tension in a peripheral nerve.

The biomechanical adjustments rat sciatic nerves make to tension were studied 7 weeks after experimental nerve repair. Nerve tissue adjusts to tension by increasing its compliance if stretched within its physiological limits. Anatomical changes observed in the nerve tissue 7 weeks after stretching apparently accounts for the nerves extensibility, a biomechanical adjustment that helps preserve nerve continuity during the joint extension phase of extremity rehabilitation.