Effects of the tactile stimulation in newborns: a systematic review

Identifier:  TFG:1783

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFG1783

Authors:  Parramon Rull, Elisabet

Abstract:
Tactile stimulation (TS) consists in application of external stimulation on the skin. There is a high evidence that TS increases weight in preterm newborns but it is weak about others effects. The objective of this review is to determinate the effects of different types of TS interventions in newborns. The search was done in Pubmed, Biomed and Icercador and the legibility criterion was newborns receiving a TS intervention. The risk of bias and the level of evidence had been analyzed. Twenty of 751 results were included. The observed effects (TS) were the increases of weight, of cerebral activity, frequency of fecal deposition, cytotoxicity of natural killer cells (NK), time of awake state, time of deep sleep and diminution of: bilirubin levels, cry and sleepiness. TS stimulates the psychomotor maturation, increases the bone strength and have specific responses of the autonomic system depending of sex. Tactile stimulation increases weight, frequency of fecal deposition in newborns and brain activity. There are some evidences that decreases bilirubin levels, have an effect in the immunity system and increases bone growth. The utilization of vegetable oil increases the speed of weight gain, which is effectuated via different mechanisms related at therapy modality. It seems that there is an autonomic response related at sex. There is a moderate consensus about the effects of the Field protocol. The effects about consciousness and long term are variable and further research is needed. These interventions are mostly realized by a physical therapist and are safe as well as applicable in de Neonatal Intensive Care Units. The major limitations in this review are poorly blinding in the studies and acceptation of studies just published in English.