Program to enhance feeding in preterm infants

The Effect of the Tactile/kinesthetic Stimulus Program on the Maturation of Sucking Ability in Preterm Infants

Not applicable Interventional Etlik Zubeyde Hanım Women's Health Care, Training and Research Hospital · NCT05486663

This study tests if a special touch program can help preterm infants learn to suck better and leave the hospital sooner.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages28 Weeks to 32 Weeks
SexAll
SponsorEtlik Zubeyde Hanım Women's Health Care, Training and Research Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ankara, Eyalet/Yerleşke)
Trial IDNCT05486663 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of a tactile/kinesthetic stimulus program on preterm infants to improve their transition to full sucking and reduce hospital stay duration. The study involves a randomized controlled design where one group of infants receives tactile/kinesthetic interventions twice daily for 14 days, while a control group does not. The interventions are carefully administered by experienced NICU nurses, ensuring the safety and stability of the infants throughout the process. Measurements of weight and feeding success will be collected to assess the program's effectiveness.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are preterm infants born between 28-32 weeks of gestation who are stable and have been cleared for oral feeding.

Not a fit: Patients with severe asphyxia, congenital anomalies, or unstable vital signs may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve feeding outcomes and reduce hospital stays for preterm infants.

How similar studies have performed: While tactile/kinesthetic interventions have been explored in various contexts, this specific application in preterm infants is relatively novel and has not been widely tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria

* Born between 28-32 weeks of gestation,
* Stable vital signs,
* 1st and 5th minute APGAR score between 6-10,
* Babies who have received mechanical ventilator or continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) or both support after 48 hours have passed after stabilization,
* Does not have an anomaly that will prevent feeding,
* Oral feeding decision has been made,
* Babies of mothers who are willing to breastfeed their babies,
* Babies of parents who volunteered to participate in the study will be taken.

Exclusion criteria

* IUGG,
* Infants with severe asphyxia,
* Babies born with low birth weight according to their gestational week,
* Having an anomaly that will prevent her from feeding,
* Babies with unstable vital signs,
* Babies with congenital anomalies or serious complications
* Infants with intraventricular bleeding.

Dismissal Criteria

• Babies whose oral feeding process is interrupted for more than 1 day due to neonatal problems.

Where this trial is running

Ankara, Eyalet/Yerleşke

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Breast Feeding, ExclusiveEnteral FeedingHospital Staybreasfeedingenteral feedingtactile/kinesthetic intervention
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.