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Updated: Sep 10, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Effects of multisensory interventions initiated during NICU hospitalization on neurodevelopment in preterm infants: a
Rui Ren1, Xinyi Men2, Ming Xing Ma1
1Department of Pediatrics, Fengfeng General Hospital of North China Medical & Health Group, HanDan, China.
Background:
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of multisensory interventions primarily initiated during NICU hospitalization or before discharge on neurodevelopment in preterm infants, informing clinical practice. While most interventions were delivered during the NICU stay, a minority involved post-discharge continuation through parental care plans. The study was conducted in strict accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251090728).
Methods:
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of multisensory intervention vs. standard neonatal care on neurological outcomes were included. The majority of interventions were delivered during NICU hospitalization; two studies involved post-discharge continuation through parental-implemented care plans. The intervention group received stimuli targeting two or more sensory modalities, while the control group received standard care or standard care supplemented with a single sensory intervention.
Results:
A total of 13 studies meeting the eligibility criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled statistical analysis revealed that preterm infants receiving multisensory intervention exhibited significantly better neurodevelopmental outcomes compared to those receiving standard care or unisensory intervention (SMD = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.47 1.45, P < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis showed no statistically significant difference in intervention effects between assessments conducted at 3 months and beyond 3 months after intervention (Chi2 = 2.39, I 2 = 58.2%, P = 0.12).
Conclusions:
The current evidence suggests that multisensory intervention initiated during the neonatal period (NICU hospitalization and early postnatal period) is an effective and safe approach for promoting neurodevelopment in preterm infants. However, due to the clinical heterogeneity observed among the included studies and the limited number of studies with post-discharge follow-up, further research is warranted to evaluate optimal timing, duration, and long-term effects across the continuum of care.
