Non-Invasive Spinal Electrical Stimulation (NISE-SIM)

Non-invasive Spinal Electrical Stimulation (NISE-stim) is one of the new advancements surfacing in paediatric therapy. It holds great potential for building and developing neural pathways and motor function. A NISE-stim program is tailored specific to your child’s goals and can be used on a sensory level to assist in decreasing sensitivity and increasing body awareness or a muscular activation level working on muscular strength and endurance.

What Is Non-invasive Spinal Stimulation and how does it work

Non-invasive Spinal Stimulation uses small and safe electrical impulses to stimulate the spinal cord and muscles through the placement of electrodes along the spine and target muscles. The electrodes directly placed along the spine stimulates the peripheral and central nervous system, ultimately assisting in strengthening the neural connection and communication between the brain and muscles (Nardone,R et.al 2015).

The placement of the electrodes is the key difference between non-invasive spinal stimulation and functional electrical stimulation, whereby electrodes are only placed on the muscle belly to assist in increasing the activation response and muscle contraction. These incredible advancements in research and medicine allow us to support the reorganisation of the brain-spinal cord connections and assist with the cross over in the neural pathways to achieve increased coordination, motor planning and execution through the direct stimulation over the target areas. When coupled with task specific intervention there has been greater results in quality of movement and muscle contraction (Singh G, et.al 2023).

Research has shown that with continual use and daily electrical stimulation protocols delivered at home by parents and families, there can be improvements in sensation, circulation and muscle activation and strength (Motavalli G, McElroy JJ, Alon G, 2019). A home program is closely monitored with settings adapted and updated based on the new responses, sensations and rate of activation from the improvement in communication from the muscle and peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system.

Non-invasive spinal stimulation is an excellent tool to assist in complementing therapy with benefits already evident globally. This treatment modality can benefit children with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, nerve damage conditions such as plexus paralysis, genetic conditions, scoliosis, hypotonia or any movement delays or difficulties.  However, it is not suitable for everyone with contraindications and precautions determining the suitability of use. NISE-stim is a game-changer in enhancing mobility and overall function to support the development of children in their journey to achieving their goals.

References 

• Nardone, R., Höller, Y., Taylor, A., Thomschewski, A., Orioli, A., Frey, V., Trinka, E. and Brigo, F. (2015), Spinal Cord Stimulation. Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface, 18: 580-591. https://doi.org/10.1111/ner.12332
• Singh G, Lucas K, Keller A, Martin R, Behrman A, Vissarionov S, Gerasimenko YP. Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation From Adults to Children: A Review. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil. 2023 Winter;29(1):16-32. doi: 10.46292/sci21-00084.
• Motavalli G, McElroy JJ, Alon G. An Exploratory Electrical Stimulation Protocol in the Management of an Infant With Spina Bifida: A Case Report. Child Neurol Open. 2019 Mar 29;6:2329048X19835656. doi: 10.1177/2329048X19835656. PMID: 31259192; PMCID: PMC6589948.