Analysis of tactile-kinesthetic stimulation in babies with asphyxia and a nursing care diagnosis of the risk of aspiration in the perinatal unit

Authors

Azhari Trisna Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Jember, Indonesia
Ira Rahmawati Department of Maternity and Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Jember, Indonesia
Peni Perdani Juliningrum Department of Maternity and Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Jember, Indonesia
Nuning Dwi Merina Department of Maternity and Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Jember, Indonesia
Rafika Nurul Aini Department of Maternity and Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Jember, Indonesia
Uwiek Hentartie RSUD dr. R.Soedarsono Kota Pasuruan, Indonesia

Keywords:

low birth weight, asphyxia neonatorum, tactile stimulation, sucking behavior, feeding skills

Abstract

Infants with a low birth weight (LBW) are those born with a weight of less than 2500 grams, and they are predisposed to a range of health complications, including neonatal asphyxia. This condition has been shown to have a detrimental effect on oromotor functions, such as sucking and swallowing. These functions are of crucial importance in the initiation of effective oral feeding. Impairment in these reflexes has been demonstrated to directly influence nutritional intake and may have a detrimental effect on long-term neurological outcomes. The present study was conducted with the objective of examining the effect of tactile–kinesthetic stimulation on improving sucking and swallowing reflexes in low birth weight (LBW) infants who have experienced asphyxia. The Early Feeding Skills (EFS) tool was utilized to assess the infants' development. A qualitative descriptive design with a case study approach was applied over a period of three consecutive days in the Perinatology Unit of RSUD dr. Soebandi Jember. The intervention comprised structured tactile and kinesthetic stimulation, administered twice daily. The findings revealed a progressive improvement in oromotor readiness, with EFS scores increasing from 79.1% on the first day (partial readiness) to 91.7% on both the second and third days (independent feeding readiness with minimal risk). The results of this study indicate that tactile–kinesthetic stimulation is a safe and beneficial nursing intervention to enhance functional feeding readiness in LBW infants with asphyxia. This method has the potential to function as a complementary strategy in neonatal care, with the aim of supporting the recovery of oral feeding abilities and reducing reliance on enteral nutrition.

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