The Effect of the MNRI Method on Neurotransmitter Biomarkers of Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Introduction: The MNRI (Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration) method was developed in 1989 in Russia and has spread world-wide to treat individuals with certain types reflex development deficits, behavior disorders, disorders of speech or language development, and learning disabilities. MNRI is based on techniques called “repatterning” or remodulation, meaning re-education, recoding the reflex nerve pathways specific for dynamic and postural reflex schemes. Objectives: Repatterning activates the extra pyramidal nervous system responsible for automatic mechanisms and processes, the extension of links between neurons, the growth of neural nets, myelination, and the creation of new nerve routing. This potential result was tested utilizing urinary measurements of the following neurotransmitters: epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, DOPAC, serotonin, 5-HIAA, glycine, taurine, GABA, glutamate, PEA, and histamine. Methods: Neurological impact of the Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Method on the magnitude of changes in neurotransmitters was assessed by an external controlled and double-blind method using patients from one of the four diagnosis groups: 1) global developmental disorders; 2) cerebral palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Acute Brain Injury (ABI), and seizures; 3) ADD/ADHD; and 4) anxiety disorders. Results: The post-MNRI results in participants show a tendency for regulation of the above neurotransmitters resulting in their calming down, decrease of hypervigilance, stress resilience increase, improvements in behavioral and emotional regulation, positive emotions, and cognitive processes control. Conclusion: The application of the Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Method as a therapy modality offers a novelty paradigm for the treatment using neuro- and immune-modulation technologies presenting a non-pharmaceutical approach, based on use of neurosensorimotor reflex circuit concept.