Data were recorded using direct observation.
During data collection all infants
were placed on their left sides,
were not given pacifiers, were not restrained,
nonewore eye patches, and the
observer/recorder stood outside of the
line of the baby’s vision. These actions
were implemented in order to controlvisual and auditory stimuli. The touch
intervention was delayed 1 hour if the
infants were being fed intermittently by
gavage or handled by the NICU nurses.
On the 6th day of life for the control and
experimental group infants, the principal
investigator recorded for 45 minutes
sleep state classifications and behavioral
activity, utilizing the Neonatal Assessment
Coding Sheet (NACS) as
modified by L. L. Harrison (personal
communication, April 29, 1991). This
assessment was repeated on the 17th
day of life. Additionally, experimental
group subjects had heart rate, oxygen
saturation, sleep state classifications
and behavioral activity data recorded
every minute for 10 minutes prior to, 20
minutes during, and 10 minutes after the
touch intervention.