Effects of a Sensory Stimulation on Weight Gain in Premature Infants

감각자극이 미숙아의 체중증가에 미치는 영향

This study has been conducted on the nonequivalent control group Pretest-posttest design in quasi experimental basis and newly born premature infants from intensive care unit of G Medical University Hospital in Inchon Metropolitan were selected in two groups of 21 infants each. The first group for experimental and the other for control. Data has been collected form October 30, 1997 to August 29, 1998. For the experimental group tactile and kinesthetic stimulation was applied 2 times a day for 10 days(10:00～ll:00 hours in the morning and 17:00～18:00 in the afternoon). As, a weight weighing instrument, electronic indicator scale(Cas Co. korea) was used. Collected data were analyzed with the SAS program using x²-test, student t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, Pearson correlated coefficient and Stepwise multiple regression. The result were as follow. 1. As for the daily weight gain, the experimental group showed first change in weight and this group also showed higher weight in the average weight than the control group. Statistically, however. there was no significant factor between the two groups. 2. In the correlation between general characteristics and weight gain, gestation Period. apgar score, admission Period before study, N.P.O. period after birth, recovery Period to birth weight showed statistical significance negative correlation with weight gam in the experimental group than control group. 3. In the factor with affected the weight gain by general characteristics showed recovery period to birth weight and head circumference in the experimental group, control group showed recovery period to birth weight, N. P. O. period after birth. admission period before study, feeding amount, weight of study. In conclusion. the sensory stimulation in this study showed a Positive aspect through there was no statistical significance in the weight gam. Tn the correlation of general characteristics and weight gam showed statistical significance negative correlation The main factor which affected the weight gain by general characteristics showed recover period to birth weight.