Impact of Negative Air Ions on Hematological and Hormonal Parameters in Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Background: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of permanent disorders arising from non-progressive brain development disruptions during the fetal or infant stages, affecting movement, posture, and various physiological and cognitive functions, including blood parameters, cognition, communication, hearing, metabolism, oral health, sensation, speech, swallowing, and vision. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Negative Air Ions (NAIs) on hematological and hormonal parameters in CP patients, evaluating NAIs as a potential therapeutic intervention. Methods: Conducted over two months in 2021 at a specialized rehabilitation center in Karachi, Pakistan, the study involved 31 structured NAI exposure sessions over six weeks. Participants were randomly divided into control and intervention groups, with the latter exposed to 10,000 NAIs/cm³ for 40 minutes, three times per week. Hematological assessments, including complete blood count (CBC) and differential analysis, were performed using automated and manual methods. Serum cortisol levels were measured for hormonal assessment. Statistical analysis utilized paired t-tests for within-group comparisons using SPSS version 25. Results: Both groups showed normal parameters at baseline. The control group had significant increases in hemoglobin (p<0.05), MCV (p<0.05), MCH (p<0.05), and PCV (p<0.01) and decreased platelet count (p<0.01). The intervention group exhibited reductions in leukocyte and platelet counts (p<0.05). No significant changes were observed in cortisol levels. Conclusion: NAI therapy is safe with no adverse hematological or hormonal effects, suggesting its potential as a progressive, non-pharmacological, and cost-effective therapy for CP patients.