Studies Evaluating Supplemental Tactile
Stimulation Interventions in the NICU
To reduce the stressors associated with the NICU environment and excessive
handling associated with medical and nursing procedures, several researchers over
the past 30 years have examined the effects of interventions designed to provide
preterm infants with supplemental comforting touch. These interventions have
included still, gentle touch, stroking/massage or stroking/massage combined with
vestibular stimulation.