Sensorimotor Interventions Improve Growth and Motor Function in Preterm Infants

Purpose: To assess the effect of an oral (O+O), a tactile/kinesthetic (T/K+T/K), and a combined (O+T/K) intervention on preterm infants' weight gain and motor function and to determine whether the combined O+T/K intervention has an additive/synergistic effect on outcomes. Design/Sample: Seventy-five preterm infants were randomized into an O+O intervention consisting of oral stimulation, a T/K+T/K intervention involving whole body stimulation, an O+T/K intervention, and a control group. Interventions were administered for 15 minutes, twice a day, for ten days. Outcomes: Weight gain, motor function. Results: The O+O and T/K+T/K groups had greater weight gain during the intervention period than did controls (p <=.025). The T/K+T/K and O+T/K groups had better motor function than did controls (p <=.017). Conclusion: Single and combined interventions improved growth and motor function. The combined intervention, because of the shorter duration of each modality, did not lead to additive/synergistic effects, suggesting that the duration of the sensorimotor input is as important as its target in achieving defined outcomes.