Aras Doğan Ş. (Executive), Çelebioğlu A., Aytekin Özdemir A., Tekgündüz K. Ş.
TUBITAK Project, 2017 - 2018
Purpose : Sucking and
swallow dysfunction are common complications in the preterm infants that cause
oral feeding difficulties. Achieve oral feeding as
early as possible is beneficial for preterm infants. This study aimed to determine the effect of oral
motor stimulation (OMS) in preterm infants for
successful feeding and sucking.
Methods: This study was conducted as an experimental trial at a neonatal intensive
care unit between May 5th, 2017 and March 19th, 2018. The
population of the study comprised of preterm infants between the 29th and 34th weeks of
gestation. OMS and sham OMS were administered in the experimental group (n =
39) and control group (n = 38), respectively, thrice a day for 14 days.
Findings: It was found that the time of transition to full oral feeding was shorter
(p = .01), while the LATCH mean scores and average nutrient intake in the first
and second measurements were higher in the experimental group (p < .05).
Conclusions: The preterm infants who received OMS transited to full oral feeding
earlier and showed a higher success in sucking. OMS demonstrates positive effects
on developing sucking skills in preterm infants and promoting their health. It is
recommended using international standard values for assessing the growth rate
in preterm infants.
Keywords: Feeding, sucking success, oral motor stimulation, preterm infant