Evidence reviewed as of before 01-01-2021 Author(s): Ogourtsova, T. (PhD OT); Steven, E. (MSc App OT); Iliopoulos, G. (MSc App OT); Deleva, V. (MSc App OT) & Majnemer, A. (PhD, OT, FCAHS)

Introduction

Prematurity is an important problem not only because it can affect a child’s chances of survival but also due to the fact that premature children are at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy. Many of the interventions aimed at reducing the impairments associated with preterm birth begin after 40 weeks of postmenstrual age and are not as effective for the most premature infants and particularly those with brain injury.

The Auditory-Tactile-Visual-Vestibular (ATVV) intervention was developed as a program to be initiated in the NICU as early as 30-31 weeks PMA and consists of providing repeated and systematic multisensory experiences. The intervention aims to improve the baby’s ability to feed and grow and to reduce the baby’s stress in the NICU environment which could have lasting impacts on their development.

Infant massage in the NICU. Accessed on June 14, 2022 from https://lovingtouch.com/infant-massage-in-the-nicu/

Parent & Family Information

Clinician Information

Preterm infants (55% diagnosed with CP at 1 year)

CP level N/A

References

  • Nelson, M. N., White-Traut, R. C., Vasan, U., Silvestri, J., Comiskey, E., Meleedy-Rey, P., Littau, S., Gu, G., & Patel, M. (2001). One-Year Outcome of Auditory-Tactile-Visual-Vestibular Intervention in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Effects of Severe Prematurity and Central Nervous System Injury. Journal of Child Neurology, 16(7), 493–498. https://doi.org/10.1177/088307380101600706

Definitions

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