Short-term effects of multimodal stimulation on neuromotor behaviour and neonatal pain among hospitalized preterm infants: A feasibility, non-blinded randomized controlled trial

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Aranha, V.P.^{a; *} | Chahal, A.^b | Bhardwaj, A.K.^c

Affiliations: [a] Department of Pediatric and Neonatal Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Haryana, India | [b] Department of Sports Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Haryana, India | [c] Department of Paediatrics, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Haryana, India

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Dr. Vencita Priyanka Aranha, MPT (Pediatrics), (PhD), PhD Research Scholar, Department of Pediatric and Neonatal Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-133207. Haryana. India. Tel.: +91 8607274555; E-mail: vencita.peds@mmumullana.org.

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Preterm infant experiences neuromotor disturbances and neonatal pain during NICU stay. Optimal brain development and pain tolerance require both sensory and motor experiences. We aimed to explore the effect of multimodal stimulation (MMS) including multi-sensory and movement therapy on neuromotor behaviour and neonatal pain among hospitalized preterm infants. METHODS:32 recruited preterm infants [gestational age (GA): 28 to 36 weeks] by convenience sampling technique for pre-test-post-test control group, single-center randomized controlled study were randomly allocated into two groups, MMS group, and control group. MMS group received the interventions for 5 days period, totalling five sessions with 30 minutes/session. Infant Neurological International Battery (INFANIB), Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS), weight, length, and Occipitofrontal circumference (OFC) were recorded at baseline and 6th day to analyze the changes observed neuromotor behaviour, neonatal pain, and changes in the anthropometric parameters respectively. RESULTS:GA, weight, length and OFC of preterm infants recruited were, 34.4±2 weeks, 2.11±0.48 kg, 45±3.8 cm and 32.3±1.7 cm respectively. INFANIB and NIPS change scores in MMS group were [4 (2, 6); p = 0.001] and NIPS scores [2 (2,3); p < 0.001] respectively when compared to INFANIB [– 4 (– 6, – 2); p = 0.001] and NIPS scores [1 (– 1,1); p = 0.778] in control group. Significant difference p < 0.001 in INFANIB and NIPS scores while non-significant difference in weight (p = 0.166), length (p = 0.443) and OFC (p = 0.413) were observed between the groups. CONCLUSION:Administration of MMS has a positive clinically significant impact on neuromotor behaviour and neonatal pain on preterm infants.

Keywords: Early intervention, multisensory stimulation, neonates, preterm neonates

DOI: 10.3233/NPM-210889

Journal: Journal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 325-337, 2023