HSV‑IGF‑1 transfection enhanced EA‑induced neuroplasticity, which manifested as partial recovery in locomotor function, remission hyperpathia, growth of DRG‑derived spared fibers, increased expression of phosphorylated (p‑) phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase (PI3K) and Akt, and increased pPI3K/PI3K and pAkt/Akt expression ratios.