Impact of NESA Non-Invasive Neuromodulation on Sleep, Behavior, and Sensory Profile in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Highlights What are the main findings? center dot Non-invasive neuromodulation with NESA microcurrents may produce improvements in sleep quality, aberrant behaviors, and sensory processing in children with autism spectrum disorder. center dot The most consistent benefits were observed in sleep resistance, hyperactivity, and sensory hyperreactivity, and some protocols (C and E) showed a greater effect. center dot NESA neuromodulation is a non-invasive electrotherapy technique that delivers very low intensity microcurrents through multiple peripheral electrodes on the hands and feet to gently stimulate the autonomic nervous system and promote global neurophysiological regulation. What is the implication of the main findings? center dot This pilot series' cases suggest that neuromodulation targeting the autonomic nervous system may offer a new therapeutic avenue for ASD. center dot The results support the feasibility of conducting larger controlled studies in pediatric populations, despite the challenges posed by diagnostic heterogeneity and recruitment.Highlights What are the main findings? center dot Non-invasive neuromodulation with NESA microcurrents may produce improvements in sleep quality, aberrant behaviors, and sensory processing in children with autism spectrum disorder. center dot The most consistent benefits were observed in sleep resistance, hyperactivity, and sensory hyperreactivity, and some protocols (C and E) showed a greater effect. center dot NESA neuromodulation is a non-invasive electrotherapy technique that delivers very low intensity microcurrents through multiple peripheral electrodes on the hands and feet to gently stimulate the autonomic nervous system and promote global neurophysiological regulation. What is the implication of the main findings? center dot This pilot series' cases suggest that neuromodulation targeting the autonomic nervous system may offer a new therapeutic avenue for ASD. center dot The results support the feasibility of conducting larger controlled studies in pediatric populations, despite the challenges posed by diagnostic heterogeneity and recruitment.Abstract Background/Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting up to 1.7% of the global population. Current interventions do not treat the root cause, prompting research into novel treatments like non-invasive neuromodulation. The objective of this study is to examine the use of NESA technology in children with ASD, to determine if it generates changes in their conduct and their central symptoms related to the spectrum. Methods: In this study, twelve children with ASD underwent NESA neuromodulation therapy. We assessed the children's (CSHQ) and parents' sleep quality (Pittsburg scale), aberrant behavior (ABC-C), and sensory profile (SP-2). Results: In most cases (66.7%), we observed an improvement in the test results. A comparative analysis of NESA protocols revealed that the optimal programming strategy involves a longer duration of programs 7 and 8 of NESA microcurrents. Conclusions: Given the limited number of patients included in the data set, further investigations are necessary to draw more robust conclusions. This novel form of treatment offers the potential to address autism spectrum disorder by targeting the autonomic nervous system. This approach may influence underlying mechanisms of the autonomic nervous system. The pilot study has opened a new avenue for future research.