Compression of the effect of nonnutritive sucking with finger and pacifier on weight gain of preterm infants

Purpose: To investigate the effect of oral sensory motor intervention on weight gain in preterm infants.Methods: In a double-blind, randomized clinical trial study, 96 preterm infants with the gestational age of 30-34 weeks was recruited. The infants were randomly assigned into treatment (finger or pacifier sucking) or control group. In the treatment group, infants received oral sensory motor intervention programs three times a day. The weight of the infants in both group were measured every day. The Subsequent weight gain were compared between treatment and control groups.Findings: Infants in the treatment group had greater daily weight gain than control group (P< 0.05).Conclusion: Oral sensory motor intervention improve growth pattern in preterm infants.Implications For Nursing Practice:The oral sensory motor intervention should be implemented in neonatal care unit as a safe and effective method

Keywords:

non nutritive sucking , weight gain , preterm infant