The results of this first study of GHT
revealed no differences between groups
for temperature range, weight gain, tolerance
of feedings, or complications.
The experimental group infants demonstrated
positive behavioral changes during
the touch intervention such as decreased
overall activity with observable
quieting during touch, fewer startle responses,
and more open posturing of
both hands, perhaps indicating a more
relaxed state. This study was one of the
first studies of supplemental stimulation
conducted on medically fragile
preterm infants and was instrumental in
paving the way for others to investigate
the effects of touch in preterm infants.