An experimental study of the effects of sensory stimulation on the early growth and development of korean low-birth-weight infants

Abstract

In this study, sensory stimulation given during the early weeks of life did have an effect on the infant's growth and development, providing support for the idea that sensory enrichment can improve a baby's weight gain, sensory functioning, and the nervous system organization. Other studies have also found that stimulation enhances development and is also associated with better organized central nervous systems (Kastenbaum, 1979; Newman & Newman, 1978; Stratton, 1982). This has important implications for nursing interventions; however, questions remain concerning the optimal type and amount of stimulation to provide to low-birth-weight premature infants. This area needs further investigation with larger sample sizes. © 1991.