The role of multisensory intervention combined with aEEG in the maturation and evaluation of brain and neural development in premature infants of different gestational ages

Abstract

Objective: To explore the combined effects of multisensory intervention and amplitude integrated electroencephalogram monitoring on the maturation and evaluation of brain and neural development in premature infants of different gestational ages.

Methods: The controlled trial was carried out in 62 premature infants from January to February of 2023 in Genertec AMHT – Baogang Hospital. The premature infants were divided into two groups according to the gestational age: 32-33^+6W (Group A) and 34-33^+6W (Group B). By use of random number table method, each group was subdivided into the control group and the experimental group. The control group was monitored with aEEG within 1 day and the following 7 days after birth. The experimental group was monitored with aEEG within 1 day and the following 7 days after multisensory intervention (MS) to observe the change of aEEG parameters, in order to explore the effect of MS intervention on brain development maturity. The Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment (NBNA) score was performed at 40 weeks of corrected gestational age in both groups.

Results: The amplitude voltage, the total aEEG score and the sleep-wake cycle score in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group (p < .05). The total NBNA score in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group.

Conclusion: The multi-sensory intervention is a simple and feasible method of development support nursing, it can improve the total NBNA score of premature infants, which can promote the brain development in premature infants and improve their neurodevelopmental behavior.