Effect of an oral stimulation program on sucking skill maturation of preterm infants.

摘要: This study assessed the effect of an oral stimulation program on maturation sucking skills preterm infants. Thirty-two infants (13 males, 19 females), appropriate size for gestational age (gestational at birth 28 wks, SD 1.2wks; birthweight 1002g, 251g), were randomly placed into experimental and control groups. The group received a daily 15-minute program, consisting stroking peri- intra-oral structures, 10 days before start feedings. Sucking measures monitored with specially-designed nipple-bottle apparatus. Results indicate that achieved full feedings 7 sooner than group, demonstrated greater overall intake (%), rate milk transfer (mL/min), amplitude expression component (mmHg). There was no difference in stage maturation, frequency, suction sucking. Endurance, defined as ability to sustain same stage, burst duration, amplitudes throughout feeding session, not significantly different between two enhanced sucking, resulting better performance.