| Abstract: | Tactile kinesthetic stimulation was given to 15 premature infants to determine effects on neurophysiological development. The mothers of the Ss were trained to administer the treatment for 15 min 4 times a day for 1 mo, beginning the day the S arrived home from the hospital. When Ss and 14 control Ss were 4 mo old (CA), they were examined by a pediatrician, a psychologist, and a pediatric nurse who had no knowledge of whether the S was experimental or control. The Ss' neurological development, weight, length, head circumference, and mental and motor development (as determined by the Bayley Scales of Infant Development) were assessed. Results indicate that experimental Ss made significant gains in neurological development, in weight gain, and in mental development. Findings suggest that the early and systematic stimulation provided by the mothers can enhance development of premature infants. (24 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
