Abstract

Neonatal feeding difficulties are common in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and can pose significant challenges, particularly among preterm infants. Prefeeding oral motor therapy has emerged as a potential intervention to address these challenges by enhancing oral motor skills and facilitating feeding progression. However, empirical evidence within the context of Thai NICUs remains limited. This randomized controlled examination aimed to explore the impact of prefeeding oral motor therapy on feeding advancement among preterm infants in a Thai NICU setting. A randomized controlled trial design was employed, with preterm infants (gestational age < 37 weeks) randomized to receive either prefeeding oral motor therapy in addition to standard care or standard care alone. The therapy involved structured exercises targeting oral motor skills and coordination, administered by trained therapists. Feeding progression metrics, including suck-swallow-breathe coordination, feeding duration, and weight gain, were assessed at regular intervals. Preliminary results suggest a significant improvement in feeding advancement among infants receiving prefeeding oral motor therapy compared to those receiving standard care alone. Specifically, infants in the intervention group demonstrated enhanced suck-swallow-breathe coordination, reduced feeding duration, and improved weight gain trajectories. These findings highlight the potential of prefeeding oral motor therapy as an effective intervention for promoting feeding advancement in preterm infants in Thai NICU settings. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and optimize the implementation of prefeeding oral motor therapy in neonatal care practice.