sensory integration

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sensory integration

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sensory integration - January 29, 2008 1:39:44 PM

DawnPT

Posts: 1
Joined: January 29, 2008
Status: offline

I have a friend who was a nurse in the NICU. She liked to incorporate sensory techniques therapists had taught her over the years. She was disciplined for providing proprioceptive & vestibular input (she had the baby swaddled, was bouncing and patting the child on the bottom).

I have searched and can't find specific research articles on the effectiveness of providing sensory input to NICU babies. Does anyone know where I can find this?

Post #: 1

RE: sensory integration - April 24, 2008 9:29:36 PM

SiobhanPT

Posts: 6
Joined: April 24, 2008
Status: offline

I would check out Heidi Al's NIDCAP philosophy and protocols for observing and then treating pre-term infants. It is my understanding that in the NICU it is more important to preserve the womb-like state, rather than provide additional stimuli. Depends on the age and the level of stability of the child. The swaddling is often helpful, but I do not think that providing proprio or vestibular input is helpful across the board. These kids are super-fragile and anything that can cause significant changes in breathing and/or BP can do real harm! I'd encourage the RN to seek more info in this area or attend a course for handling of NICU babies. Toby Long, PT PhD offers a great 3 or 4-day course. Good luck.

(in reply to DawnPT)

Post #: 2