Medical Clowning in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Their Effects on Parents and Staff

Overview

The study will compare intervention by Infant Aquatics to infant massage. The intervention in both methods will start at 36 weeks gestational age for 3 months and will consist of sessions with a therapist every 2 weeks. Development will be assessed and compared at 3, 8 and 18 months using Infant Motor Pattern method, Griffith developmental scales and Vineland adaptive behavior scales.

Preterm infants, a continuously growing population, are at high risk for neurodevelopment impairments ranging from minor neurological dysfunction (MND) to cerebral palsy (CP), mainly due to developmental brain injury. Infant Aquatics have been found to benefit and promote infant development. The support and sensory stimulation of the water may improve the development the sensory, motor, as well as, autonomic system of preterm infants.

Conditions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Central Contacts