Effects of infant touch on the growth and neurodevelopment of preterm infants

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of infant touch on the growth and neurodevelopment of preterm infants.

Methodology: An observational study was conducted involving 64 preterm infants and their mothers, who were recruited from the Maternity & Child Care Centre of Qinhuangdao between April 2023 to May 2024. They were randomly assigned to either the control or the touch group. The control group received conventional care, whereas the touch group received infant touch therapy in addition to conventional care. The two groups were compared in terms of growth parameters, neurodevelopmental outcomes and maternal emotional well-being. Growth indices, neurodevelopmental scores and maternal emotional scores were assessed and analysed.

Results: On the first day of life, no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups for any infant or maternal variables (P > 0.05). After 35 days, the touch group demonstrated significantly greater body weight, length, head circumference and milk intake than the control group. Neuro-behavioural scale scores were also higher in the touch group. In addition, maternal depression and anxiety scores were lower in the touch group, whereas maternal satisfaction scores were higher and all differences reached statistical significance (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Infant touch is an effective intervention for promoting growth in preterm infants, while alleviating maternal anxiety and depression, exerting a positive impact on the growth and neurodevelopment of preterm infants.