Study of Oral Motor Stimulation Combined with a Reading Program to Improve Feeding and Language in Preterm Infants Born Between 23 and 30 Weeks

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of combining oral motor stimulation with a reading curriculum on feeding and language outcomes in preterm infants born between 23 and 30 weeks gestation in the neonatal intensive care unit NICU. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare infants receiving oral motor stimulation plus a reading program, oral motor stimulation alone, and standard care to see if the combined approach leads to earlier oral feeding, shorter NICU stays, and better language development up to 24 months. The study includes three groups one receiving oral motor stimulation combined with a language curriculum, another receiving only oral motor stimulation, and a control group receiving standard care without stimulation. Oral motor stimulation is provided for 10 days within a 14-day period starting around 33-34 weeks corrected age, involving gentle stroking and sucking exercises before feedings. Language exposure is monitored using a LENA device that records adult and infant vocalizations biweekly, with feedback provided to caregivers. The reading curriculum offers biweekly lessons to guide parents in engaging with their infants. Participants will undergo baseline and biweekly LENA recordings until 36 weeks corrected age, along with assessments including maternal stress and post-traumatic stress disorder screenings, child behavior checklists, and developmental tests at 12 and 24 months. Researchers will measure oral feeding milestones from birth to NICU discharge and track language and behavioral outcomes over two years. The trial includes ongoing feedback and monitoring to evaluate the impact of combined oral motor and language interventions on infant feeding and development.

Combined Oral Motor Stimulation and Language on Preterm Infant Feeding