Skin-to-skin contact (Kangaroo Care) accelerates autonomic and neurobehavioural maturation in preterm infants
Open accessAbstract
The effects of mother-infant skin-to-skin contact (Kangaroo Care; KC) on autonomic functioning, state regulation, and neurobehavioural status was examined in 70 preterm infants, half of whom received KC over 24.31 days (SD 7.24) for a total of 29.76 hours (SD 12.86). Infants were matched for sex (19 males and 16 females in each group); birthweight (KC, 1229.95 g [SD 320.21]; controls, 1232.17 g [SD 322.15]); gestational age (GA) (KC, 30.28 weeks [SD 2.54]; controls, 30.19 weeks [SD 2.65]); medical risk; and family demographics. Vagal tone was calculated from 10 minutes of heart rate before KC and again at 37 weeks' GA. Infant state was observed in 10-second epochs during four consecutive hours before KC and again at 37 weeks' GA. Neurobehavioural status was assessed at 37 weeks' GA with the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS). Infants receiving KC showed a more rapid maturation of vagal tone between 32 and 37 weeks' GA (p=0.029). More rapid improvement in state organization was observed in KC infants, in terms of longer periods of quiet sleep (p=0.016) and alert wakefulness (p=0.013) and shorter periods of active sleep (p=0.023). Neurodevelopmental profile was more mature for KC infants, particularly habituation (p=0.032) and orientation (p=0.007). Results underscore the role of early skin-to-skin contact in the maturation of the autonomic and circadian systems in preterm infants.
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Positive touch facilitates neurobehavioral and cognitive development.
“Positive touch facilitates social and emotional (Feldman and Eidelman, 2004), neurobehavioral and cognitive development (Feldman and Eidelman, 2003).”
From The evolved nest, oxytocin functioning, and prosocial development (2023) · cites this paper as Feldman and Eidelman (2003)
The Discussion reports that mother–infant skin-to-skin contact improved neurobehavioural status at term in preterm infants. The paper says newborn maturation measures can predict later cognitive functioning, but it does not show that skin-to-skin contact improved cognitive development. It also studies a specific form of touch rather than positive touch generally. (LLM, conf=0.89)
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“Positive touch facilitates social and emotional (Feldman and Eidelman, 2004), neurobehavioral and cognitive development (Feldman and Eidelman, 2003).”
Background
- Authors
- Feldman, R., & Eidelman, A. I.
- Affiliations
- Bar-Ilan University (IL)
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center (IL)
- Venue
- Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2003-04
- Volume
- 45
- Issue
- 04
- Pages
- 274-281
- ISSN
- 0012-1622 (ISSN-L)
- 1469-8749
- OpenAlex
- W2126717500
- Cited by
- 397
- References
- 2
- Citations by year
- 2026: 13 · 2025: 18 · 2024: 16 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 15 · 2021: 37 · 2020: 20 · 2019: 29 · 2018: 24 · 2017: 16 · 2016: 16 · 2015: 27 · 2014: 18 · 2013: 15 · 2012: 18
- FWCI
- 8.71
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Locations
- Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health › Infant Development and Preterm Care
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › Pharmacy › Infant Health and Development
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine › Neonatal Respiratory Health Research
- Keywords
- kangaroo mother care, skin-to-skin contact, preterm infants, vagal tone, government regulation, circadian rhythm, quiet sleep, active sleep, habituation, orientation, neonatal neurodevelopment
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Autonomic Nervous System, Child Development, Female, Gestational Age, Habituation, Psychophysiologic, Heart Rate, Humans, Infant, Newborn, Infant, Premature, Male, Maternal Age, Mother-Child Relations, Skin, Vagus Nerve
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