Helping preterm babies in the NICU grow and develop better with gentle sensory experiences
Multisensory interventions to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit
This project aims to help very preterm babies in the NICU develop well by providing them with gentle, positive sensory experiences and supporting their parents.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11169838 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When babies are born very early, they often spend their first months in the NICU, where they might miss out on important positive sensory experiences and time with their parents, which can affect their brain development. Our program, called SENSE, offers a structured way to give these babies specific gentle sensory activities like massage, soft sounds, rocking, holding, and skin-to-skin care. These activities are carefully timed and chosen based on each baby's developmental stage. We also help parents learn how to engage with their baby in the NICU to strengthen their bond and support their baby's growth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project is designed for very preterm infants who are hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Not a fit: Patients who are not preterm infants or are not receiving care in a neonatal intensive care unit would not directly benefit from this specific program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could lead to better brain development and overall well-being for preterm infants, and help parents feel more connected and involved in their baby's care.
How similar studies have performed: While other studies support positive multisensory interventions, this project introduces a new, structured program called SENSE to apply these interventions consistently.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pineda, Roberta — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Pineda, Roberta
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.