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Application of non-invasive neuromodulation in children with neurodevelopmental disorders to improve their sleep

Aníbal Báez-Suárez1, Iraya Padrón-Rodríguez2, Elizabeth Castellano-Moreno2

  • 1University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain. anibal.baez@ulpgc.es.

BMC Pediatrics
|September 15, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Non-invasive neuromodulation using microcurrents effectively improved sleep and constipation in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. This safe treatment offers a promising intervention for common symptoms in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Children with neurodevelopmental disorders often experience significant variability in clinical presentation.
  • Constipation and poor sleep quality are prevalent issues in this population.
  • Limited research exists on specific interventions for these common symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of non-invasive neuromodulation.
  • To assess improvements in constipation and sleep quality in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study included 23 minors (ages 2-16).
  • Participants received 60-minute microcurrent device sessions, 3 times/week for 4 weeks.
  • Non-invasive neuromodulation involved surface-applied microcurrent electrostimulation via gloves and anklets.

Main Results:

  • No adverse events were reported during the study.
  • Significant improvements were observed in defecation frequency and type.
  • Sleep duration increased from 7.35 to 9.09 hours, and sleep interruptions decreased (p < .001).

Conclusions:

  • Microcurrents represent a safe and effective treatment for improving sleep and constipation in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Further research is warranted to achieve statistically significant results and explore broader applications.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenConstipationPhysical therapy modalitiesSleep qualityVagus nerve stimulation

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