Authors :
Nongmeikapam Helena; Dr. Rajeev Kumar Thapar; Dr. R.Sreeraja Kumar; Dr. T.David Ratna Paul; Dr. Lalit Pratap Chandravanshi; Dr. Imran Khan; Dr. Sonal Chand
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 6 - June
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/4pd7bj4e
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jun715
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Background:
Feeding difficulties are prevalent among low birth weight (LBW) infants due to underdeveloped oral-motor skills,
immature neurological systems, and prolonged hospitalisation. A multistimulation approach—combining oral, tactile,
visual, and auditory interventions—has emerged as a non-invasive method to enhance feeding behaviour and outcomes in
this population.
Objective:
To review current evidence on the effectiveness of multistimulation techniques in improving feeding habits of low birth
weight infants and to explore their clinical applicability.
Methods:
A narrative review was conducted by sourcing articles from PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar
published between 2000 and 2024. Studies involving LBW or preterm infants and employing multistimulation or sensory-
based interventions aimed at improving feeding were included.
Results:
Evidence suggests that multistimulation significantly improves feeding readiness, oral-motor coordination, and
transition to oral feeding in LBW infants. Interventions combining sensory modalities—particularly oral and tactile—show
consistent benefits. Caregiver involvement enhances outcomes further.
Conclusion:
The multistimulation approach represents a promising strategy to support feeding in LBW infants. Early
implementation could reduce hospitalization, improve nutritional intake, and promote neurodevelopment.
Keywords :
Low Birth Weight Infants, Multistimulation, Feeding Behaviour, Sensory Stimulation, Oral-Motor Development, Neonatal Care
References :
- Ayres, A. J. (2005). Sensory Integration and the Child. Western Psychological Services.
- Fucile, S., Gisel, E. G., & Lau, C. (2002). Oral stimulation accelerates the transition from tube to oral feeding in preterm infants. The Journal of Pediatrics, 141(2), 230–236.
- Giannì, M. L., et al. (2016). Feeding readiness in preterm infants: a systematic review. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 89, 61–66.
- Lau, C. (2015). Development of suck and swallow mechanisms in infants. Ann Nutr Metab, 66(Suppl 5), 7–14.
- Pados, B. F., et al. (2016). Feeding interventions for infants with feeding problems: A systematic review. J Pediatr Health Care, 30(3), 249–260.
- Rommel, N., et al. (2003). Pediatric feeding disorders: a review of the pathophysiology and etiologies. Dev Med Child Neurol, 45(1), 1–10.
- White-Traut, R. C., et al. (2009). Multisensory interventions for preterm infants: A meta-analysis. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs, 38(3), 276–286.
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2014). Guideline: Optimal feeding of low birth-weight infants in low- and middle-income countries.
Background:
Feeding difficulties are prevalent among low birth weight (LBW) infants due to underdeveloped oral-motor skills,
immature neurological systems, and prolonged hospitalisation. A multistimulation approach—combining oral, tactile,
visual, and auditory interventions—has emerged as a non-invasive method to enhance feeding behaviour and outcomes in
this population.
Objective:
To review current evidence on the effectiveness of multistimulation techniques in improving feeding habits of low birth
weight infants and to explore their clinical applicability.
Methods:
A narrative review was conducted by sourcing articles from PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar
published between 2000 and 2024. Studies involving LBW or preterm infants and employing multistimulation or sensory-
based interventions aimed at improving feeding were included.
Results:
Evidence suggests that multistimulation significantly improves feeding readiness, oral-motor coordination, and
transition to oral feeding in LBW infants. Interventions combining sensory modalities—particularly oral and tactile—show
consistent benefits. Caregiver involvement enhances outcomes further.
Conclusion:
The multistimulation approach represents a promising strategy to support feeding in LBW infants. Early
implementation could reduce hospitalization, improve nutritional intake, and promote neurodevelopment.
Keywords :
Low Birth Weight Infants, Multistimulation, Feeding Behaviour, Sensory Stimulation, Oral-Motor Development, Neonatal Care