The findings from the studies reported here suggest that
preterm infants receive very little comforting, nonprocedural
touch in the NICU. Gentle, still touch has immediate
positive effects including reduced levels of motor activity
and behavioral distress, which suggests that this type of
touch might reduce energy expenditure and promote comfort.
Gentle touch has no clinically significant effects on
levels of heart rate or oxygen saturation, which suggests that
this type of touch is safe for physiologically fragile infants.
Findings from studies of supplemental stroking/massage,
either alone or combined with kinesthetic or vestibular
stimulation, suggest that this type of touch may have positive
immediate and longer-term effects on infants who are
physiologically stable, including reduced apnea, improved
TcPO2 levels, improved weight gain, and enhanced developmental
outcomes