243

Journal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine 6 (2013) 243–249 DOI 10.3233/NPM-1370513 IOS Press

Original Research

Effects of daily kangaroo care on cardiorespiratory parameters in preterm infants A.J. Mitchella,∗ , C. Yatesb,c , K. Williamsd and R.W. Halle a College

of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), AR, USA of Physical Therapy, University of Central Arkansas, AR, USA c Center for Translational Neuroscience, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, AR, USA d Department of Biostatistics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, AR, USA e Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, AR, USA b Department

Received 31 January 2013 Revised 02 April 2013 Accepted 13 June 2013

Abstract. BACKGROUND/AIMS: Kangaroo care (KC) has possible benefits for promoting physiological stability and positive developmental outcomes in preterm infants. The purpose of this study was to compare bradycardia and oxygen desaturation events in preterm infants in standard incubator care versus KC. METHODS: Thirty-eight infants 27 to 30 weeks gestational age were randomly assigned to 2 hours of KC daily between days of life 5 to 10 or to standard incubator care. Infants were monitored for bradycardia (heart rate