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The importance of touch in development

Evan L Ardiel1, Catharine H Rankin

  • 1Brain Research Centre and Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Paediatrics & Child Health
|March 2, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Sensory stimulation, like touch, is crucial for development. Early life touch deprivation can be reversed by understanding the mechanisms of mechanosensory stimulation.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Animal Behavior

Background:

  • Developmental delay is prevalent in infants lacking sensory input, such as premature neonates.
  • Mechanosensory stimulation, particularly touch, is vital for growth and development across species.
  • Animal models are instrumental in uncovering the cellular and molecular basis of sensory stimulation's effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of mechanosensory stimulation in development.
  • To investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the benefits of touch.
  • To determine optimal strategies for reversing early-life sensory deprivation.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing animal models (rats and Caenorhabditis elegans) to study mechanosensory stimulation.
  • Analyzing the impact of maternal licking on rat pup development and adult physiology.
  • Observing the effects of physical interactions on worm growth and sensory responsiveness.

Main Results:

  • Maternal licking in rats significantly influences adult behavior and physiology.
  • Physical interactions in C. elegans promote growth and enhance mechanosensory responsiveness.
  • Evidence suggests a conserved role for physical touch in development across diverse organisms.

Conclusions:

  • Mechanosensory stimulation is a key factor in normal development.
  • Understanding the mechanisms of touch can inform interventions for developmental delays.
  • Targeted sensory strategies may help mitigate the effects of early deprivation.

Keywords:
Caenorhabditis elegansKangaroo mother careMaternal patterns of carePreterm birthRatsSense of touch

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