Combining Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention and Kinesiotaping to Improve Feeding Performance in Premature Infants: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: Feeding problems are common among premature infants and can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and prolonged hospitalization. Effective interventions are needed to improve oral feeding skills. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a combined intervention-Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention (PIOMI) and Kinesiotaping (KST)-on feeding performance in premature infants, compared to each intervention administered individually.

METHODS

A single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted with 45 premature infants (gestational age 30-34 wk) diagnosed with feeding difficulties. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 15): combined intervention (PIOMI+KST), PIOMI alone, or KST alone. Interventions were administered daily for seven days. Primary outcome was the Preterm Oral Feeding Readiness Assessment Scale (POFRAS). Secondary outcomes included mean oral intake volume (%MV), weight gain, oral intake improvement, time to achieve full oral feeding, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

All groups showed significant improvements in feeding outcomes (p < 0.001). The combined intervention group, and also the PIOMI group, demonstrated significantly greater improvements in POFRAS scores, %MV, weight gain, and shorter length of hospital stay compared to the KST group (p < 0.05). Effect sizes were largest in the combined group, indicating a clinically meaningful advantage.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of PIOMI with KST significantly enhances feeding performance in premature infants beyond either intervention alone. This synergistic approach may promote earlier achievement of full oral feeding and reduce hospitalization duration, potentially lowering healthcare costs.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: [IRCT20210905052381N1, 2021-09-20].