The effect of multisensory stimulation on weight gain of preterm infants

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Low birthweight is one the common problems of infants and one of the main health indicators of a society. Weight is one the major determinants of physical and mental development in infants, particularly preterm infants. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of multisensory stimulation on weight gain of preterm infants. METHODS: In this double-blind clinical trial, 80 preterm infants born at 32-36 weeks gestational age, were randomly divided into two groups (control and multisensory stimulation). The intervention group received multisensory stimulation program consisting of 12-minute daily sessions, 5 times a week until the day of discharge and the control group received only the usual care. Infants were weighed every day until the day of discharge (IRCT registration code: 2016073114454N2). FINDINGS: No significant difference was observed between the two groups of preterm infants in terms of gestational age, birthweight and sex. The difference between mean weight gain on the first day and the day of discharge was 131.6±10.1 g in the intervention group and 58.9±10.2 g in the control group. The difference between the two groups was significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The Results of the study revealed that using multisensory stimulation for weight gain of preterm infants is a cost-effective and effective method. © 2016, Babol University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.