Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: May | Volume: 9 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 135-140
Effect of Tactile, Kinesthetic Stimulation and Kangaroo Mother Care on Low Birth Weight in Preterm Infants
Hetal Shah1, Dr. R. M. Singaravelan2
1BPT Intern, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam College of Physiotherapy, PIMS (DU), Loni.
2Professor, Neurophysiotherapy Department, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam College of Physiotherapy, PIMS (DU), Loni.
Corresponding Author: Hetal Shah
ABSTRACT
Background: 85% of preterm births are largely concentrated in developing countries. Low birth weight is still a major concern in these countries. Tactile-Kinesthetic Stimulation and Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) are two techniques other than the medical intervention which, if given as early as possible to the infant, would aid to prevent morbidities and mortality, enhance growth, early discharge from hospital thus cutting down on cost of the hospital stay.
Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of KMC and stimulation on weight gain in preterm infants when administered together.
Method: Two groups with 10 preterm infants in each group of weight between 1000- <2500 g and born between 28-37 weeks were included in the study. In Group A(intervention group) 10 minutes of tactile-kinesthetic stimulation followed by 1 hour of supervised KMC was given for 5 days. The Group B(control group) practised unsupervised KMC as guided by the medical team. The outcome measure was infant weight.
Result: This study showed that no significant weight gain was observed after a period of 5 days. There was no significant difference in weight of infants between Group A and Group B.
Conclusion: Though significant weight gain was not seen in infants after 5 days, the infants did gain weight on the basis of which they were discharged earlier than expected. The study suggests these techniques have still proved to be effective and beneficial to the infants and their families especially when administered together.
Key words: Preterm infants, low birth weight, tactile-kinesthetic stimulation, kangaroo mother care.