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Published on: August 28, 2019
Vestibular stimulation for promoting development and preventing morbidity in preterm infants
Marcus G Prescott1, Mikaela Lenells2,3, Michelle Fiander4
1St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|July 29, 2026
Summary
Vestibular stimulation for preterm infants shows very uncertain effects on mortality and intraventricular hemorrhage. Evidence suggests little to no difference in weight gain, with no reported major neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Sensory Physiology
Background:
- The vestibular system, crucial for balance and coordination, influences physiological processes like breathing.
- Vestibular stimulation is hypothesized to improve neurodevelopmental and neuromotor outcomes in premature infants.
- Targeted vestibular input may reduce apnea and the need for respiratory support in neonates.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence on vestibular stimulation's effects on preterm infant mortality and major neurodevelopmental outcomes is very uncertain.
- Future research requires adequately powered RCTs with clearly defined outcomes and transparent reporting.
- Further investigation is needed to clarify the role of vestibular stimulation in neonatal care.
