In this study, we defined a preterm infant in the most
relaxed behavioral condition to be one in a sleep state.
Likewise, an infant in the most interactive behavioral
condition was one in an awake state. This decision was
based on previous research. Beider and Moyer (2007)
reported that the increase in sleep due to tactile stimulation
was related to relaxation, whereas Dieter and Emory
(1997) reported that the increase in the number of awake
states energized preterm infants and promoted their
engagement with caregivers.