title: Effects of facilitated tucking during routine care of infants born preterm.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to compare stress responses of infants born preterm during routine nursing assessments performed under two conditions. One condition incorporated a second caregiver supporting the infant in a facilitated tucked position, whereas the second condition did not.
  
  
  METHODS
  A convenience sample of 12 infants born preterm, ages 25 to 34 weeks postconceptual age on the day of testing (mean = 30.9 weeks), were evaluated using the Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP), during the two caregiving conditions. For each trial, the infant received a PIPP score. The level of significance was set at p = 0.05.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant difference (p = 0.013) existed between the two testing positions as measured by the PIPP. Nine of the 12 infants received a lower PIPP score with facilitated tucking during routine care assessments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  By incorporating facilitated tucking during routine care events, the stress level of the infants born preterm may be reduced. When the infants' stress levels are reduced, they may be better able to maintain stability in their autonomic, motor, and state systems.
authors.affiliation: Physical Therapy Program, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA, USA. HillSharonV@ambrose.sau.edu
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Engle
authors.forename: Jeremiah
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jorgensen
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kralik
authors.forename: Kari
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Whitman
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization / Q000502:physiology; D007223:Infant; D007224:Infant Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D008297:Male; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010146:Pain / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D014110:Touch