ABSTRACT Aim Touch is the first sense to develop during fetal life. Sensory exploration in preterm infants may underlie early sensory self‐awareness. This study aimed to demonstrate the emergence of sensory self‐awareness in preterm infants by analysing behavioural responses of the rooting reflex. Methods This single‐centre, prospective study included preterm infants born between 24 and 37 weeks gestational age (wGA). The rooting reflex was assessed via video in two conditions: external stimulation and facilitated self‐stimulation. The rooting reflex was characterised by four progressively complex behavioural responses. The primary outcome was the relative frequency of these behaviours, compared between the two stimulation types. Results Twenty‐seven children were included (mean gestational age: 30.5 wGA; mean birth weight: 1416 g). Behaviour 3 (mouth opening and/or tongue protrusion without head movement) was significantly more frequent during self‐stimulation than external stimulation (35.7% vs. 24.9%, p = 0.005). No significant differences were observed for other behaviours. Conclusion The rooting reflex response in preterm infants depends on stimulation type, with a preference for self‐stimulation. This suggests an early ability to distinguish self from non‐self, supporting the idea that the rooting reflex reflects implicit sensory self‐awareness. These findings offer novel insights into preterm infant sensory processing and developmental care. Trial Registration Favourable opinion from the committee for the protection of individuals CPP N2023‐A02220‐45. Favourable opinion of Clinical Trial: NCT NI38RC23.0354
Touraton et al. (Tue,) studied this question.