Effect of an oral stimulation program on oral feeding among preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Direct breast feeding is limited in preterm infants  because of immature oral musculature, illnesses like gastrointestinal reflux, gut immaturity which can lead to aspiration, inadequate sucking-swallowing and breathing coordination. Oral stimulation program will improve the oral musculature and movement which will enhance normal oromotor development and sucking patterns. The objective of the study is to assess the effect of an oral stimulation program on transition time from nasogastric tube feed to full paladai feed and volume of feed. 
Materials and methods: A randomized controlled trial was adopted for this study. A simple random sampling technique was used to select thirty-six preterm infants who were randomized into two groups (18 in each). The instrument used for the study was a data collection proforma including demographic and clinical variables which was developed by the investigator with inputs from the experts. The preterm infants in experimental group received oral stimulation program for 12 minutes before nasogastric tube feed 3 times a day for 7 consecutive days. The outcome was assessed by the investigator on  seventh day of the oral stimulation program. Result: The comparison of mean scores of transition time from nasogastric tube feed to full paladai feed in experimental group is 7.22 + 0.428 and that of control group is 9.11 + 1.079 and significant at 0.001 level and mean scores of volume of feed in experimental group is 6.22 + 1.114 and that of control group is 3.11 + 0.583 and significant at 0.001 level. Conclusion: The study concluded that an oral stimulation program is an effective intervention in  preterm in reducing the transition time from nasogastric tube feed to full paladai feed and also  increased  the volume of feed taken by the preterm.