Original Research Article
Year: 2022 | Month: May | Volume: 12 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 90-97
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20220512
Effectiveness of Tactile Stimulation on Neurobehavioral Development and the Physiological Parameters among Neonates in NICU
Anusha. L1, Radhika. M2
1Assistant Professor, Sahaya College of Nursing, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.
2Associate Professor, Dept of Child Health Nursing, IGIMS-College of Nursing, Patna, Bihar.
Corresponding Author: Radhika. M
ABSTRACT
Background of the study: High-risk infants hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) suffer from sensory deprivation which has an impact on normal brain development of the neonates. They are cared in NICU during the first few days or weeks of their life. Extra uterine environment poses risk to the neonates as they are very fragile to adapt to the changes in extra uterine environment with their immature body systems. Early sensory stimulation will enable the growth of the brain cells, will enhance the adaptive behaviour, and will help in the attainment of the normal growth and neuro behavioural maturity. A child’s first emotional bonds are built through touch, which lays the foundation for future emotional and intellectual development. Touch alters oxytocin, which in turn, provides relaxation, encourages bonding between parent and child and lowers stress hormone levels.
Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the beneficial effects of tactile stimulation on Neurobehavioral development and physiological parameters among neonates in NICU.
Methods: A Pre test-post test design was adopted to evaluate the effects of tactile stimulation on Neurobehavioral development and physiological parameters. A sample size of 50 neonates admitted in NICU were selected and 25 Neonates were assigned to Experimental group and 25 neonates to Control group by using stratified random sampling technique followed by simple random technique. Modified Brazelton's Neonatal Neuro Behavioural Assessment Scale (NNBAS) was used to assess the Neuro behavioral Development before and after proving tactile stimulation.
Data analysis: Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics according to the objectives and the hypothesis tested.
Results: revealed that there is a significant improvement in the neuro behavioural development and the physiological parameters of neonates in experimental group in NICU after providing tactile stimulation.
Conclusion: It is evident from the findings that the tactile stimulation has beneficial effects on neuro behavioural development and the physiological parameters among neonates in NICU.
Key words: Neonates, NICU, Neuro behavioural development, Tactile stimulation, physiological parameters.