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- Title
Physiologic and behavioral effects of gentle human touch on preterm infants.
- Authors
Harrison LL; Williams AK; Berbaum ML; Stem JT; Leeper J
- Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiologic and behavioral effects of a gentle human touch (GHT) intervention that was provided to preterm infants who were between 1-3 weeks old and who were hospitalized in a Level III NICU.DESIGN: Not given.SETTING: NICU.POPULATION: The final sample consisted of 84 infants (42 in the GHT and 42 in the control group; 40 female, 44 male). The sample was stratified according to three gestational age groups: 27-28 weeks; 29-31 weeks; and 32-33 weeks.INTERVENTIONS: Gentle touch was provided for 10 min, three times daily, for 10 days, beginning when the infants were 6-9 days old. Heart rate was measured using a Corometric Cardiac Monitor, and O2 saturation levels were measured using Nellcor Pulse Oximeter. Activity levels, behavioral signs of distress, and behavioral state were coded. Morbidity status was assessed using a revised version of the Neonatal Morbidity Scale (NMS) and the Neurobiologic Risk Scoring System (NRSS). Behavioral organization was assessed using the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (BNBAS).MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): There were no significant differences in mean HR across the three phases, but there was a significant phase effect for O2 saturation. The results of the repeated measures MANOVA indicate that there were decreased levels of active sleep, motor activity and behavioral distress during periods of GHT compared to baseline (B) and post-touch (PT) periods. Although the percentage of quiet sleep increased slightly during the GHT intervention, the change from baseline was not statistically significant. There were no differences in the percentage of abnormal levels of HR or O2 saturation during the B, GHT, or PT phases using standardized criteria. Eight of the 42 infants in the GHT group had to have one or more of the 30 GHT sessions discontinued early because of decreased HR or O2 saturation levels. This suggests the need for caution and close monitoring of very small and physiologically fragile preterm infants.RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggests that GHT intervention had a soothing effect on the infants. Further research is indicated to determine whether using GHT might reduce stress associated with painful procedures. There is a need for replication of this study with infants of different gestational ages and from different ethnic groups. It appears that GHT is generally a safe and soothing type of touch to provide to preterm infants. However, very small preterm infants may occasionally have problems tolerating even this type of touch. [CINAHL abstract]
- Publication
Research in Nursing & Health, 2000, Vol 23, Issue 6, p435
- ISSN
0160-6891
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1002/1098-240x(200012)23:6<435::aid-nur3>3.0.co;2-p