INTRODUCTION: Several studies have been conducted to identify a drug to accelerate the consolidation of fractures. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of physical exercise and the administration of testosterone in the consolidation process of fracture of the tibia and fibula of rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rattus norvegicus (250 to 300 g) were randomly assigned to four groups of eight animals: Control- fracture and immobilization; G1- fracture, immobilization and testosterone propionate; G2- fracture, immobilization and physical training of swimming; G3- fracture, immobilization, physical training and swimming testosterone propionate. The treatments started immediately after completion of closed fractures in the middle third of right tibia. The physical training program consisted of 50 minutes of swimming for four weeks, five times a week. The testosterone propionate 3 mg/kg was administered subcutaneously five times a week for four weeks. The variables analyzed included weight gain, size of bone callus, serum phosphorus, calcium, albumin, total protein and alkaline phosphatase activity. RESULTS: The size of callus was higher in group undergoing treatment combining immobilization, exercise and testosterone. The groups treated with testosterone, combined or not with the swimming program, had higher levels of phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase, and lower levels of total protein and albumin. CONCLUSION: The group undergoing swimming exercise training combined with the administration of testosterone obtained best evidenced by increased bone callus and alkaline phosphatase activity, suggesting faster bone healing process.
Physical exercise; Testosterone; Fracture healing
