Effect of oral stimulation on feeding performance and weight gain in preterm neonates: a randomised controlled trial

AbstractBackground: In preterm infants, oral stimulation enhances muscle tone and movement which facilitates normal oral motor developmental patterns improving oral feeding performance.Aim: To study the effects on feeding performance, transition to independent oral feeding, weight gain and length of hospital stay of an oral stimulation programme in preterm neonates.Study design: This randomised controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital over a period of 10 months. Altogether, 102 preterm neonates (30–34 weeks gestation) were randomised into the intervention group (oro-motor stimulation for 5 min twice a day, n = 51) or the control group (routine care only, n = 51). The primary outcome measures were feeding performance, and transition period to reach independent oral feeding.Results:There was better feeding performance (overall intake and rate of milk transfer), shorter transition to independent oral feeding, better weight gain and shorter length of hospital stay in the interventio...