Training the swallowing and respiration of preterm infants / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the effect of swallowing training combined with respiratory intervention on the swallowing function and early neurodevelopment of preterm infants.Methods:Sixty-two preterm infants in neonatal intensive care were randomly divided into a study group of 30 and a control group of 32. All received routine treatment and nursing care plus touching, but the study group was additionally provided with swallowing and respiratory training. The duration of gastric tube use was observed, and a 20-item neonatal behavioral neurological assessment (NBNA) was administered at 40 weeks of corrected gestational age.Results:The average period of gastric intubation in the study group [(56.27±22.26) days] was significantly shorter than the control group′s average [(68.97±23.96) days]. The study group′s average NBNA score was significantly higher. Moreover, the NBNA scores were significantly negatively correlated with the intubation times.Conclusions:Swallowing training combined with respiratory intervention can improve the swallowing function of preterm infants, shorten the time a gastric tube is needed, and improve their early neurodevelopment.