Which statement reflects a nonthermal effect that promotes tissue remodeling?

• A. Increased fibroblast activity
• B. Decreased collagen synthesis
• C. Reduced angiogenesis
• D. Increased tissue temperature

Answer: (A)

Nonthermal effects from rehab modalities stimulate cellular activity without raising tissue temperature. This kind of stimulation enhances fibroblast function, and fibroblasts are the cells that synthesize collagen and reorganize the extracellular matrix. When fibroblast activity increases, collagen production and matrix remodeling accelerate, promoting tissue remodeling even though the tissue isn’t heated.

Increasing tissue temperature would be a thermal effect, not nonthermal. Decreased collagen synthesis would impede remodeling, and reduced angiogenesis would limit nutrient delivery and healing. So the statement about increased fibroblast activity best reflects a nonthermal mechanism that promotes remodeling.