Effects of Songs Recorded by Parents on the Vital Signs of Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care
• Developmental psychology
• Bioacoustics

Background:

• Preterm infants exhibit vital sign instability and prolonged hospitalizations, impacting parent-infant bonding.
• COVID-19 restrictions exacerbate challenges in parental presence and bonding for preterm infants.
• Parental singing is a potential non-pharmacological intervention for neonatal care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of parent-recorded songs in stabilizing preterm infants' vital signs.
• To assess the impact of auditory intervention on respiratory rate and oxygen saturation.
• To explore the role of music therapy in enhancing parent-infant attachment in neonatal intensive care units.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial involving preterm infants (<33 weeks gestation) and their parents.
• Intervention group: daily exposure to parent-recorded songs; Control group: usual care.
• Primary outcomes: respiratory rate, pulse oximetry saturation, heart rate, and activity level.

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in respiratory rates in the intervention group (4.1 [95% CI: 2.5-5.6], p < 0.001).
• Statistically significant increase in pulse oximetry saturation (0.6 [95% CI: 0.02-1.2], p < 0.044).
• No significant difference in heart rate or activity level was reported.

Conclusions:

• Parent-recorded songs safely stabilize preterm infants' respiratory status.
• Auditory intervention via parental songs is an accessible method to support parent-infant attachment.
• This intervention is particularly valuable in settings with limited parental visitation, such as during pandemics.