Immediate Effects of Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention Protocol on OromotorSkills and Neurobehavioral State Regulation of Preterm Infants

Background: Preterm infants are vulnerable population who are at highest risk of developing respiratory distress syndrome which leads them to be dependent on ventilator support for survival. They use accessory muscle for breathing leading them to affect their oral musculature more. They are the “high risk” group as they are struggling to fulfil their basic survival need of oral feed as the suck-swallow breath co-ordination is affected in them. Prolong use of nasogastric and orogastric tube for their optimum nutrition is not advisable therefore it is important to transit to oral feed as soon as they become vitally stable. Infants who have undergone endotracheal intubation, continuous CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) support, nasal or oral suctioning develops aversion for oral feeding due to continuous negative feedback. The preterm infant has poor oral motor control related to weaker muscle tone around the mouth, less sensitivity, less tongue strength compared to the full-term infant. Method: Total 30 preterm infant of mean age 34.67(±2.76) weeks participated in study. Subjects were screened as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Baseline data and outcome measure was done using non-nutritive suck score and Anderson behavioural state scale(ABSS).6 sessions were given in 3 day again they were assessed with Non nutritive suck scale, ABSS. Conclusion: There were statistically and clinically significant changes observed in all of the outcome measures; there were significant difference seen in quantity of feed taken and weight gain of preterm infant. There were significant improvement in strength of suck and rhythm and co-ordination of oral structure during non nutritive suck. .