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Updated: Mar 16, 2026
Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol
Published on: February 18, 2012
Analysis of sensory processing in preterm infants
Thais Invenção Cabral1, Louise Gracelli Pereira da Silva1, Cláudia Maria Simões Martinez1
1Department of Physiotherapy, Federal University of São Carlos - São Carlos / São Paulo - Brazil.
Insights
Premature infants exhibit altered sensory processing, particularly in tactile and vestibular responses, by 4-6 months corrected age. This highlights potential long-term neurological vulnerabilities in preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal development
- Neuroscience
- Developmental pediatrics
Background:
- Premature birth creates biological vulnerability, increasing risk for neurological injury.
- Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) improve survival but expose infants to harmful sensory stimuli.
- Immature neonatal organisms are particularly susceptible to adverse sensory environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate sensory processing in preterm infants.
- To compare sensory processing between preterm and full-term infants.
- To assess sensory function at 4 and 6 months corrected age.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive cross-sectional study design.
- Sample of 30 infants: 15 preterm and 15 full-term.
- Utilized the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants (TSFI) for assessment.
Main Results:
- Preterm infants demonstrated poorer overall performance on the TSFI.
- Significant differences were observed in total scores and tactile deep pressure reactivity.
- Preterm infants showed deficits in reactivity to tactile deep pressure and vestibular stimulation.
Conclusions:
- Preterm infants display sensory processing alterations at 4-6 months corrected age.
- These alterations are most pronounced in tactile and vestibular sensory systems.
- Findings suggest potential long-term impacts of prematurity and NICU environments on sensory development.
Background:
Premature birth suggests condition of biological vulnerability, predisposing to neurological injuries, requiring hospitalization in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, which, while contributing to increase the survival rates, expose infants to sensory stimuli harmful to the immature organism.
Aims:
To evaluate the sensory processing at 4 and 6months' corrected age.
Subjects And Methods:
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with a sample of 30 infants divided into an experimental group composed of preterm infants (n=15), and a control group composed of full-term infants (n=15). The infants were assessed using the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants.
Results:
The preterm infants showed poor performance in the total score of the test in reactivity to tactile deep pressure and reactivity to vestibular stimulation. When groups were compared, significant differences in the total score (p=0.0113) and in the reactivity to tactile deep pressure (p<0.0001) were found.
Conclusion:
At 4 and 6months of corrected age, the preterm infants showed alterations in sensory processing. These changes were most evident in reactivity to tactile deep pressure and vestibular stimulation.
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