Effects of nonrigid reclining infant seat on preterm behavioral states and motor activity

Twenty preterm neonates in an intensive care unit (mean gestational age, 30 weeks; mean birthweight, 1375 g) were randomly assigned to an experimental or a control group. The experimental infants were placed twice a day (for 3-h sessions) in a nonrigid reclining seat for a 6- to 7-week period. Before discharge from intensive care, the behavioral states and motor activity of the neonates were monitored during sleep-wake behavior observations (2 h). The experimental group subjects slept more, were quieter, and made fewer movements such as cloni, contraction and startles. The discussion centers on the distinct advantages of using nonrigid infant seats in a reclining position in intensive care units.