Supplemental stimulation of premature infants: a treatment model

J Pediatr Psychol. 1997 Jun;22(3):281-95. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/22.3.281.

Abstract

Examined the human infant literature on supplemental stimulation to delineate a course of intervention based on the ontogeny of the nervous system and the impact that systematic stimulation may have on behavioral organization in the premature infant. Effects of vestibular, tactile/kinesthetic, auditory, and oral stimulation are discussed with respect to their similarity to the intra- or extra-uterine environment. Long-standing theoretical and methodological problems are discussed, and a "sequential multimodal treatment model" is introduced.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child Development
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature / growth & development*
  • Infant, Premature / psychology*
  • Intensive Care, Neonatal / methods*
  • Intensive Care, Neonatal / standards
  • Models, Psychological
  • Nervous System / growth & development*
  • Physical Stimulation
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Sensation / physiology*