Martín Vílchez-Barrera

Dr. Martín Vílchez-Barrera


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

8Years (2019-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
24 November 2025 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FMFabiola Molina-Cedrés
Fabiola Molina-Cedrés
Raquel Medina-RamírezRaquel Medina-Ramírez
Raquel Medina-Ramírez
ABAníbal Báez-Suárez
Aníbal Báez-Suárez
MVMartín Vílchez-Barrera
Martín Vílchez-Barrera
Marlene García QuintanaMarlene García Quintana
Marlene García Quintana
MBMaría Pilar Etopa Etopa Bitata
María Pilar Etopa Etopa Bitata
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.

3 January 2025 in Geriatrics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ABAníbal Báez-Suárez
Aníbal Báez-Suárez
VSVIRGINIA BAEZ SUAREZ
VIRGINIA BAEZ SUAREZ
LSLaissa Saldanha
Laissa Saldanha
MVMartín Vílchez-Barrera
Martín Vílchez-Barrera
AHAndrea Hernández-Pérez
Andrea Hernández-Pérez
RMRaquel medina Medina-Ramírez
Raquel medina Medina-Ramírez
Background/Objectives: Ageing is associated with several cognitive, physical, and emotional changes, including a decrease in sleep quality and mental health issues. This study studies NESA (Spanish acronym for Neuromodulación Superficial Aplicada) non-invasive neuromodulation using microcurrents as something that may provide a potential improvement in the quality of sleep and general health of older adults and residents in a healthcare institution. Methods: This observational study recruited 24 people who were residents at a long-term care facility. Participants were divided into two groups: one intervention group, who underwent NESA therapy twice a week for a total of 20 sessions, and a control group, who did not receive this treatment. The outcomes measured include sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), diary of sleep, symptoms of depressed mood (Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale), and quality of life with the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Old (WHOQOL-OLD). Scores were collected at baseline, after 10 and 20 sessions, and 3 months after finishing the treatment. Results: The intervention group exhibited a notable improvement in sleep quality (p = 0.05). Additionally, there were fewer nocturnal awakenings. The quality of life also showed better scores, especially in relation to social relations and physical and mental health, which matches the slight decrease in scores and clinical improvement regarding depressive symptoms. In contrast, the control group demonstrated no improvement in symptoms, and in some cases, there was a worsening of symptoms. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that NESA non-invasive neuromodulation therapy is likely to enhance sleep quality and health-related measures in institutionalized older adults. Despite the limitations of the current study, the results support the potential of NESA microcurrents to enhance the well-being of this population.

1 January 2019 in Revista De Neurologia
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MVMartín Vílchez-Barrera
Martín Vílchez-Barrera
DCDiana Lozano Céspedes
Diana Lozano Céspedes
Introduction. Sialorrhoea is an important sign in children with central nervous system conditions that seriously affects health and quality of life. Kinesiotaping is presented as a non- invasive alternative that is useful in controlling the swallowing of saliva. Aim. To examine the efficacy of kinesiotaping as a therapeutic resource in the control of sialorrhoea. Patients and methods. A bibliographic search was carried out in the databases Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Science Direct and Google Scholar, using the terms 'bandages', 'tape', 'kinesiotaping', 'sialorrea', 'deglutition', 'drooling' and 'swallowing difficulty', and the methodological quality was evaluated with Form-Quantitative Studies and the Oxford scale. Results. Ten studies were selected for review: six of which applied kinesiotaping in the suprahyoid area and four in the area of the orbicularis muscle of the lips. All studies show significant differences in the use of different treatment techniques, but without any significant differences between kinesiotaping and other techniques. Conclusions. Studies of high methodological quality are scarce; however, significant improvements in outcomes and no adverse effects are reported, which may have a positive influence on the clinical features and on day-to-day therapy.

17 April 2026 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MAMariola Lledò Amat
Mariola Lledò Amat
Marlene García QuintanaMarlene García Quintana
Marlene García Quintana
MVMartín Vílchez-Barrera
Martín Vílchez-Barrera
ABAníbal Báez-Suárez
Aníbal Báez-Suárez
FMFabiola Molina-Cedrés
Fabiola Molina-Cedrés
Raquel Medina-RamírezRaquel Medina-Ramírez
Raquel Medina-Ramírez
Background/Objectives: Stroke is a sudden neurological event caused by disrupted cerebral blood flow and represents a leading cause of acquired disability worldwide. Motor impairments and spasticity are among the most prevalent sequelae, significantly limiting functional independence and quality of life. Non-invasive electrotherapy has emerged as a complementary strategy in neurorehabilitation aimed at enhancing neuroplasticity and improving motor recovery. To systematically review current evidence regarding the effectiveness of non-invasive electrotherapy modalities in the rehabilitation of motor sequelae and spasticity following stroke, and to examine their theoretical and clinical rationale. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The protocol was prospectively registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF). A comprehensive search was performed in Pubmed, Web of Science (WoS), and Scopus for studies published up to 14 November 2023, using the terms “Electric Stimulation Therapy” and “Stroke”. The methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. The levels of evidence were classified according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine criteria, and the risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2). Results: Sixteen studies were included in the review. The analyzed interventions comprised neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), functional electrical stimulation (FES), neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with transcranial magnetic stimulation (NMES + rTMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and afferent electrical stimulation (AES). Overall, the methodological quality of the included studies ranged from moderate to high, with PEDro scores between 6 and 9 out of 10. According to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine classification, most studies corresponded to level 1b evidence, while a smaller proportion were classified as level 2b. A risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool showed that the majority of the included studies presented a low risk of bias across most domains, although some concerns were identified in the domains of randomization and measurement in a limited number of trials. Across modalities, consistency within group improvement in motor function and spasticity was reported. However, between group comparisons with conventional rehabilitation were often inconsistent and did not consistently demonstrate superiority. The variability in stimulation parameters, intervention duration, and outcome measures further limited direct comparisons across studies. Conclusions: Non-invasive electrotherapy appears to be a safe and promising adjunct to conventional stroke rehabilitation. Nevertheless, further high-quality studies are required to clarify the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms and to establish standardized treatment protocols.