Application of sensorimotor stimuli in newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit
Keywords:
Intensive care neonatal, Psychomotor performance, Early interventionAbstract
This study aimed to identify sensorimotor stimulation methods used in newborns admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), considering their vulnerability to developmental complications. It is a narrative literature review with a qualitative approach. Findings reveal that early sensorimotor interventions offer significant benefits, including improved responses to pain and stress, and an average reduction of 7.3 days in hospital stay. Appropriate sensory stimulation is essential, as the NICU environment exposes newborns to stimuli that differ from those experienced in the womb, potentially impairing neurological development. Functional neuroimaging studies have shown positive brain changes in infants who received adequate stimulation. Among the most effective strategies is the Kangaroo Method, which promotes affective bonding, physiological stability, and neurological development. The successful implementation of such interventions requires integrated multiprofessional efforts, with structured and individualized protocols. Furthermore, active family involvement is fundamental to enhancing the positive effects of early stimulation.
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