The Effect of Patterned Sound on the Physiological Response of Preterm Infants in the NICU

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Music stimulation has been shown to provide significant benefits to preterm infants. We hypothesized that auditory stimulation in the form of recorded patterned sounds might improve physiological parameters of stable preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 66 premature newborns with the postnatal age of ≥3 days and weight under ≤2800 grams referred to the hospital affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, were selected through simple random sampling and allocated into control and experimental groups. The experimental groups received auditory stimulation in the form of Brahms and mam’s lullaby, while the control group received no interventions. The newborns of three groups were continuously monitored for oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate for three consecutive sessions. two-way analysis of variable with repeated measure should be applied. Post Hoc test and Sidak in turn used for independent and paired comparisons. Repeated measure analysis of variance was used for within group analysis. Findings: The effect of patterned sound showed significant changes in individual neonate oxygen saturations and the experimental groups were significantly different regarding the amount of percutaneous blood oxygen during the study period (P<0. 05). Other physiological outcomes were not significant. Conclusion: This study indicated the beneficial effect of patterned sound. therefore, it may be used for improving short term outcomes in premature infants. Further studies are needed to improve evidence-based practice in this regard.