الفهرس 
Effect of Sensory Stimulation on Apnea of Prematurity
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Abstract
Background: Preterm birth represents a significant healthcare burden and is among the leading causes of infant mortality and morbidity. Therefore, the prevention of prematurity related morbidities is considered a health priority. Apnea of prematurity is common, affecting the majority of infants born before 34 weeks of gestation. Purpose: to investigate the effect of sensory stimulation on apnea of prematurity. Methods: Thirty preterm newborns with gestational age between 32 to 34 weeks and with low birth weight and appropriate for gestational age from 1200 to 2000 grams participated in this study. They were divided into two equal groups: a control group received the standard care and a study group received the same standard care in addition to sensory stimulation (tactile, proprioceptive and kinesthetic). The neonate intensive care unit physician measured heart rate and oxygen saturation before and after intervention via pulse-oximetry as well as gestational age, birth weight, gender, mode of delivery and apnea frequency were recorded. All infants in both groups received supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula. The time of sensory stimulation session was 10 minutes, 3 times per day with a total of 30 minutes daily for 7 continuous days. Results: For both groups; after 7 days of treatment, there was a statistically significant decrease in the heart rate and apnea rate with no statistically significant difference in oxygen saturation. There was no statistically significant difference in the heart rate, oxygen saturation and apnea rate/day between groups before intervention. At the seventh day of treatment; there was also no statistically significant difference in the heart rate and oxygen saturation between groups. However, there was a statistically significant decrease in the apnea rate/day in the study group when compared with its corresponding value in the control group. Conclusion: Sensory stimulation when applied with the standard care for seven days improved apnea of prematurity.