Combining Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention and Kinesiotaping to Improve Feeding Performance in Premature Infants: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: Feeding problems are common among premature infants and can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and prolonged hospitalization. Effective interventions are needed to improve oral feeding skills. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a combined intervention-Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention (PIOMI) and Kinesiotaping (KST)-on feeding performance in premature infants, compared to each intervention administered individually. METHODS: = 15): combined intervention (PIOMI+KST), PIOMI alone, or KST alone. Interventions were administered daily for seven days. Primary outcome was the Preterm Oral Feeding Readiness Assessment Scale (POFRAS). Secondary outcomes included mean oral intake volume (%MV), weight gain, oral intake improvement, time to achieve full oral feeding, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: < 0.05). Effect sizes were largest in the combined group, indicating a clinically meaningful advantage. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of PIOMI with KST significantly enhances feeding performance in premature infants beyond either intervention alone. This synergistic approach may promote earlier achievement of full oral feeding and reduce hospitalization duration, potentially lowering healthcare costs. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: [IRCT20210905052381N1, 2021-09-20].