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Premature infants seek rhythmic stimulation, and the experience facilitates neurobehavioral development
E B Thoman1, E W Ingersoll, C Acebo
1Biobehavioral Sciences Graduate Degree Program, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06269-4154.
Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics : JDBP
|February 1, 1991
Summary
Premature infants demonstrated self-regulation by preferring a rhythmic breathing teddy bear. This sensory experience promoted neurobehavioral development and increased quiet sleep in preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Developmental neuroscience
- Infant behavioral studies
Background:
- Preterm infants often experience altered sensory environments.
- Rhythmic stimulation may influence infant self-regulation and development.
- Understanding sensory preferences in premature infants is crucial for optimizing care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if preterm infants can self-regulate their interaction with rhythmic sensory input.
- To determine the effect of a breathing teddy bear on infant sleep and neurobehavioral development.
- To assess infant preference and engagement with rhythmic stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Clinical trial involving 45 preterm infants (29-33 weeks conceptional age).
- Intervention group received a 'breathing' teddy bear; control group received a nonbreathing bear.
- Time-lapse videorecording and home sleep monitoring post-discharge were used.
Main Results:
- Infants with the breathing bear increased their contact time with the bear over two weeks.
- These infants showed more quiet sleep and a greater increase in quiet sleep postterm.
- Preterm infants demonstrated a preference for rhythmic stimulation.
Conclusions:
- Preterm infants can organize motor activity to express preferences for rhythmic stimulation.
- Exposure to rhythmic sensory input facilitates neurobehavioral development in premature infants.
- The breathing teddy bear intervention positively impacted infant sleep patterns.