Effects of tactile-kinesthetic stimulation on feeding and weight of moderate and late preterm neonates

Abstract

Background: Owing to immaturity of their body systems, preterm neonates are susceptible to feeding intolerance, slowed growth and long hospitalization periods among others. Tactile-kinesthetic stimulation, a moderate pressure of the skin and joint movement has been widely researched on among preterm neonates; the studies have predominately focused on weight gain and the potential underlying mechanism. This study focuses on effect of tactile-kinesthetic stimulation on amount of feeds, feeding intolerance and weight of moderate and late preterm neonates. Methods: A quasi-experimental study comprising 72 preterm neonates born at 28 to <37 weeks gestation age (GA) was conducted. Subjects were divided into two groups; control and tactile-kinesthetic stimulation (TKS). Neonates in the TKS group received massage for 15 minutes per session; 3 times a day for 10 days while control group had standard nursery care. Neonates’ amount of feeds and signs of feeding intolerance were assessed on days 3, 10, 17, and 23 of life while weight was measured on alternate days stating on day 3 up to day 23. Mann Whitney U test, Student t-test, Chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test were used to determine whether there was any difference in feeding parameters and weight between TKS and control groups. Results: Although amount of feeds didn’t differ between the groups, TKS group neonates had fewer episodes of feeding intolerance compared to those in control group on the 10 th ( p = .03), 17 th ( p = .00), and 23 th ( p = .00) day of life. Moderate preterm neonates didn’t differ in weight gain however; late preterm neonates in TKS group had significantly more weight gain than the control. Conclusion: Tactile-kinesthetic stimulation reduces feeding intolerance and enhance weight gain in moderate preterm neonates. Key words: Preterm neonates, tactile-kinesthetic stimulation, feeding intolerance, and weight. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04287322, registered on 27/02/2020. Retrospectively registered.