Effectiveness of Tactile and Kinesthetic Stimulation on Physio Behavioural Parameters of Preterm Neonates

Abstract

ABSTRACT newlineBackground: Preterm infants are exposed daily to many stressors in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Touch is the first sensory system activated in the fetus. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of tactile and Kinesthetic stimulation on physio behavioural parameters of preterm neonates admitted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Objectives of the Study: Assess the effectiveness of tactile and Kinesthetic stimulation on physio behavioural parameters of preterm neonates. Associate the physio-behavioural parameters of preterm neonates with the selected demographic variables. Methods: Stable preterm neonates (117) with appropriate gestational age (calculated as per Dubowitz scale) from 28-36 weeks admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Yenepoya Medical Hospital were recruited. The mothers in the intervention group was demonstrated about the intervention. Intervention group neonates were given 30 minute tactile and Kinesthetic stimulation per day for seven days along with the routine care of the NICU. The control group babies were given the routine care. Pre and post-test assessment of physio-behavioral parameters were recorded for both the groups. At the end of the 7th day the mothers of the control group babies were demonstrated about the tactile and Kinesthetic stimulation.Results: There was a significant difference in the weight on 7th day and in all the days significant difference found in the temperature, heart rate, and oxygen saturation between the intervention and control group at Plt0.05 level. It was also found there was a significant difference found in the behavioural parameters between the intervention and control group at Plt 0.05 level. newlineConclusion: As the tactile and Kinesthetic stimulation is a safe therapy, it can be implemented to the preterm neonates admitted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit newline