The Effect of Music by Mozart on Energy Expenditure in Growing Preterm Infants

The Effect of Music by Mozart on Energy Expenditure in Growing Preterm Infants

Music has been consistently shown to reduce stress and increase weight gain in premature infants. The mechanism of this presumed improved metabolic efficiency is unknown. We aim to test the hypothesis that music by Mozart reduces energy expenditure in growing healthy preterm infants.

Inclusion Criteria:

• appropriate weight for gestational age
• postmenstrual age of 30-37 weeks
• gavage fed
• tolerating full enteral feedings without significant gastric residuals (>5% of total feed)
• no electrolyte imbalance

Exclusion Criteria:

• congenital anomalies
• dysmorphism
• intracranial hemorrhage of any grade
• periventricular leukomalacia
• necrotizing enterocolitis
• supplemental oxygen requirements by 28 days of age or by 36 weeks of postmenstrual age and at least 1 week prior to measurement
• active infection
• patent ductus arteriosus
• apnea of prematurity