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Therapeutic Touch in Premature Infants
Sponsor: Selcuk University
Summary
Preterm birth is associated with increased physiological instability, stress responses, and developmental vulnerability due to immature organ systems and prolonged exposure to invasive procedures and environmental stressors in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). In recent years, non-pharmacological, touch-based interventions have gained attention for their potential to support neurodevelopment, improve comfort, and stabilize physiological parameters in preterm infants. Therapeutic Touch (TT) is a non-invasive, holistic intervention based on the modulation of the human energy field through gentle hand movements, aiming to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and support physiological regulation. Although TT has demonstrated beneficial effects in various populations, evidence regarding its effects on preterm infants remains limited. This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effects of Therapeutic Touch on behavioral responses, comfort levels, and physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature) in preterm infants hospitalized in the NICU. The findings are expected to contribute evidence for safe, supportive, and holistic neonatal care practices.
Official title: The Effects Of Therapeutic Touch Applied To Premature Infants On Behavioural Responses, Comfort And Physiological Parameters: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
28 Weeks - 37 Weeks
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
62
Start Date
2026-01-30
Completion Date
2026-05-30
Last Updated
2026-01-23
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Therapeutic Touch
Therapeutic Touch will be administered by the researcher to preterm infants in the intervention group under controlled environmental conditions. The care environment will be quiet, warm, and free from distracting stimuli, and infants will be positioned in a supine position for safe observation. The intervention will consist of gentle, stable, and rhythmic hand contact applied to the head, trunk, arms, and legs to promote relaxation and comfort. Therapeutic Touch will be applied twice daily for five consecutive days, with each session lasting approximately one minute. During the intervention, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation will be continuously monitored. Infants in the control group will receive routine neonatal care only.
Locations (1)
Habibe Bay Ozcalik
Konya, Turkey (Türkiye)