Arecent report by Vickers, Ohlsson, and Horsley64 included
a meta-analysis of randomized trials of human
tactile stimulation provided to preterm infants. Only 13
studies met the criteria for inclusion in the review, which
included studies of still, gentle touch; massage/stroking;
and massage combined with kinesthetic or vestibular stimulation.
Although positive effects were identified in many
of the studies, Vickers addressed methodological concerns,
including failure to blind the observers who assessed the
outcomes, and failure to ensure that infants in groups E and
C were treated similarly in all aspects other than the experimental
intervention. Further research is needed to identify
the most appropriate types and amounts of touch to provide
to preterm infants of varying GAs and levels of morbidity