Effects of Tactile-kinesthetic stimulation on feeding and weight of moderate and late preterm neonates at Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Owing to immaturity of their body systems, preterm neonates are susceptible to feeding intolerance and slowed growth among others. Tactile-kinesthetic stimulation (TKS), a moderate pressure of the skin and joint movement has been widely researched on among preterm neonates with the studies predominately focusing on weight gain and its potential underlying mechanism.

Objective: To determine effect of TKS on amount of feeds, feeding intolerance and weight of moderate and late preterm neonates.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study comprising 72 preterm neonates (36 in each group) was conducted. Subjects were consecutively recruited into TKS and control groups. Study participants in the interventional group received TKS thrice a day for 15 minutes per session for 10 days while those in the control group had routine care: hygiene, weighing and feeding. Amount of feeds and signs of feeding intolerance were assessed on the 3rd, 10th, 17th and 23rd day of life and weighing on alternate days.

Results: Participants in the interventional group had fewer episodes of feeding intolerance compared to control group on the 10th (p = .032), 17th (p = .0009) and 23rd (p = .006) day of life. Moderate preterm neonates didn’t differ in weight gain between the two groups however; late preterm neonates in the interventional group had significantly more weight gain than the control group. 

Conclusion: Tactile-kinesthetic stimulation reduces feeding intolerance and enhances weight gain in moderate preterm neonates.