Prematurely born infants

Music Therapy Following Suctioning: Four Case Studies

Burke M, Walsh J, Oehler J, Gingras J, Duke

University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina

Four prematurely born infants who required ventilation assistance at a medical facility for breathing (due to a diagnosis of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia) were provided with 15 minute vibrotactile Somatron sessions, 15 minute non-vibrotactile music listening sessions, and 15 minute sessions of no interaction or stimulation following necessary suctioning procedures. The researchers found that music used both vibrotactily via a VA equipment and non-vibrotactily via a stereo was beneficial to the infants in the following ways; 1) the infants spent more time in a well-oxygenated state, 2) the infants spent less time in a highly agitated state, 3) the infants spent more time sleeping. In addition, vibrotactile stimulation via the Somatron appeared to result in the infants spending longer periods of time in a “quiet alert state”. A quiet alert state is reportedly rarely seen in infants but is desirable because it promotes “autonomic stability” within the body. This allows calories to be conserved for growth and healing as well as improves the body’s oxygenation. The researchers described this outcome as “an unexpected and positive finding”.

Source: Lifesounds