Impact of a Multisensory Intervention: An EEG-based Spectral Analysis

Multisensory room-based interventions have shown positive effects in various neurological disorders, although most evidence is based on subjective assessments. Further research based on quantitative and objective metrics is needed.

An EEG-based spectral analysis was applied to objectively assess the effects of a general-purpose multisensory room intervention. Resting-state EEG recordings were obtained before and after the intervention in 54 participants: healthy controls (C), individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), and individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Relative power in standard frequency bands and several power ratios were computed across four brain regions of interest. Non-parametric statistical analyses with false discovery rate correction were performed.

Significant Pre-Post differences (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p < 0.05) were found for the C and CP groups across different brain regions, particularly in the alpha band and the alpha/beta ratio. The TBI group did not exhibit significant differences, although qualitative trends suggested similar modulation. Intergroup comparisons did not reveal significant differences (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.05).

Unlike most previous studies relying on subjective measures, this work provides objective evidence based on EEG spectral biomarkers and extends prior EEG approaches by jointly analyzing multiple bands and ratios.

A multisensory room-based intervention may have promoted relaxation and stress reduction in C and CP groups, while no significant but qualitative changes were observed in the TBI group. No significant intergroup differences were found, but similar trends with different magnitudes suggest comparable therapeutic benefits across groups, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.