Therapeutic Touch in Premature Infants
Starting soon · Not applicable
Conditions studied: Premature Infants
In brief
Preterm birth is associated with increased physiological instability, stress responses, and developmental vulnerability due to immature organ systems and prolonged exposure to invasive procedures and environmental stressors in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). In recent years, non-pharmacological, touch-based interventions have gained attention for their potential to support neurodevelopment, improve comfort, and stabilize physiological parameters in preterm infants. Therapeutic Touch (TT) is a non-invasive, holistic intervention based on the modulation of the human energy field through gentle hand movements, aiming to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and support physiological regulation. Although TT has demonstrated beneficial effects in various populations, evidence regarding its effects on preterm infants remains limited. This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effects of Therapeutic Touch on behavioral responses, comfort levels, and physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature) in preterm infants hospitalized in the NICU. The findings are expected to contribute evidence for safe, supportive, and holistic neonatal care practices.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT07363785
- Run by
- Selcuk University
- People needed
- 62
- Starts
- 2026-01-30
- Expected to finish
- 2026-05-30
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-01-23
Who can join
Age: 1 and older, up to 1. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Infants with a gestational age between 28-37 weeks,
- Birth weight of 1500 gr and above,
- Post-feeding,
- Hospitalized in Level 1 or Level 2 NICU,
- Stable health status will be included in the study.
You may not qualify if…
- Infants with:heart disease,
- congenital anomalies,
- skin health problems,
- neurological diseases,
- mechanical ventilation,
- those receiving continuous opioid, sedative, anticonvulsant or corticosteroid treatment,
- active infection or antibiotic treatment,
- undergoing surgery will be excluded from the study.
Where it is running
- Habibe Bay Ozcalik — Konya, Turkey (Türkiye)
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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