Effects of an Oral Stimulation Program on Feeding Outcomes in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics
Muñoz-Gómez, E., Inglés, M., et al. (2024).
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 44(1), 110-127.
<div>This systematic review with meta-analysis investigates the effects of oral stimulation therapy on feeding outcomes in preterm infants without any medical complications.</div>
Generalitat Valenciana, Conselleria d’Innovacio, Universitats, Ciencia i Societat (Spain); Universitat de Valencia (Spain)
From database inception to April 2022
<div>Randomized controlled trials</div>
11
<div>Meta-analysis of a combined protocol of manual oral stimulation and non-nutritive sucking (NNS) demonstrated the following findings for preterm infants (PI):</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>decreased time to transition to full oral feeding (standard mean difference [SMD]=-1.08);</li>
<li>improved feeding efficacy (SMD=2.15);</li>
<li>decreased length of hospital stay (SMD=-0.35);</li>
<li>no significant effect on body weight gain compared to usual care; and</li>
<li>no significant difference by gestational age.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>Limitations of this review include heterogeneity across results, sample characteristics, and intervention dosage as well as an inability to perform additional subgroup analysis. The review also identified risk of bias in the included studies. Additional, high-quality research is needed to investigate optimal intervention frequency and intensity for preterm infants.</div>
