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Updated: Aug 24, 2025

Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol
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Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol

Published on: February 18, 2012

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Can tactile reactivity in preterm born infants be explained by an immature cortical response to tactile stimulation

Ana Carolina Cabral de Paula Machado1, Lívia de Castro Magalhães2, Suelen Rosa de Oliveira3

  • 1School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais.Prof. Alfredo Balena Avenue, 190 - Santa Efigênia, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Postal code: 30130-100, Brazil. carolaraxa.acm@gmail.com.

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|October 19, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Preterm infants show differences in tactile responses and brain activity compared to full-term infants in early development. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) aids in understanding these adaptive behaviors.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Preterm infants often exhibit altered sensory processing and neurodevelopmental trajectories.
  • Understanding early adaptive behaviors and cortical responses is crucial for preterm infant development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare adaptive behavior and functional cortical response to tactile stimuli in preterm (PT) versus full-term (FT) infants.
  • To evaluate the utility of functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) in assessing tactile responses in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants and functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS).
  • Assessed 26 PT and 21 FT infants at 6 months, and 15 PT and 14 FT infants at 12 months.

Main Results:

  • At 6 months, preterm infants showed poorer tactile reactivity, but this difference diminished by 12 months.
  • Cortical responses to tactile stimuli were observed in the sensorimotor cortex at 6 months.
  • At 12 months, preterm infants exhibited less frequent cortical responses in the premotor area compared to full-term infants.

Conclusions:

  • fNIRS is a valuable tool for complementing knowledge on tactile adaptive behaviors in preterm infants.
  • Developmental changes in tactile processing and cortical activation are evident in preterm infants.
  • Early sensory experiences and cortical maturation differ between preterm and full-term infants.

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