Tele-MiYo: A tele-yoga program for mother-preterm infant dyads.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of mother-infant yoga groups on the motor development of preterm infants, anxiety, postpartum bonding, and quality of life (QoL) of the mothers.

STUDY

DESIGN

In a prospective experimental study, the intervention group received 6-session teleyoga for mother-preterm infant dyads (Tele-MiYo) and standard care, while the comparison group received outpatient standard care. Motor performance of the infants and anxiety, postpartum bonding, and QoL of the mothers were assessed before and after the study period.

RESULTS

Tele-MiYo group (n = 15) significantly improved in motor performance (p = 0.040). Mothers in the intervention group improved in terms of bonding (0.004), trait anxiety (p = 0.002), and QoL (p < 0.05). There was no difference in any outcome in the comparison group (n = 14; p > 0.05).

DISCUSSION: Tele-MiYo might improve the dyadic outcomes of mothers and preterm infants. This complementary and distant method might be considered especially when access to on-site healthcare is limited, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05147480.