Direct Swallowing Training and Oral Sensorimotor Stimulation in Preterm Infants

The Effects of Direct Swallowing Training and Oral Sensorimotor Stimulation in Preterm Infants

This is randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of direct swallowing training and oral sensorimotor stimulation in preterm infants on oral feeding performance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Preterm infants : before 32+0 weeks gestation
• Infants who are receiving full tube feeding (more than 120 ml/kg/day)
• Infants who discontinue of nasal continuous positive airway pressure before postmenstrual age 33+0 weeks
• 'Feeders and growers'
• The parents of the subject voluntarily sign the informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Major congenital anomalies : face, central nervous system, gastrointestine, heart, etc
• Gastrointestinal complications
• Chronic medical complications : Intraventricular hemorrhage ≥ Grade III, periventricular leukomalacia, surgical necrotizing enterocolitis