Neurobehavioral response to multisensory stimulation programme in high-risk neonates

Abstract

Context High-risk neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are suffering from lack of sensory experiences that are vital for normal brain development, rather are exposed to excessive or inappropriately timed stimulation in the NICU that leads to deleterious effects on premature infants whose brains are immaturely developed. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of multisensory stimulation programme on neurobehavioral development in high-risk neonates. Settings and design A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted on 40 high-risk neonates, who were selected from NICUs, with mean gestational age of33±1.03 weeks according to new Ballard score and mean weight 1442±228.5 g. They were allocated into either the control group or the study group. Participants and methods The control group received routine medical and nursery care in the NICU, whereas the study group received the same programme given to the control group in addition to the multisensory stimulation programme given daily for 2 successive weeks. The outcomes were measured before and after the intervention by Morgan neonatal neurobehavioral examination and Brazelton neonatal behavioural assessment scale. Results There was a significant improvement in all measured variables in the study group after the intervention programme (P Conclusion Multisensory stimulation improved neurobehavioral development in high-risk neonates. This could be a vital part of the routine neonatal physiotherapy for preterm and high-risk neonates.