Effect of premature infant oral motor intervention(PIOMI) combined with music therapy on feeding progression of premature infants: a randomized control trial

Background: To explore the clinical effect of premature infant oral motor intervention(PIOMI) combined with music therapy on feeding progression of premature infants. Method: Premature infants with post-menstrual ages between 26-30 weeks were included in the study. 52 participants were random divided into the intervention and control groups. All infants received PIOMI, and the intervention group had additional music therapy. The participants of the two groups were compared based on weight gain, feeding progression, Preterm Oral Feeding Readiness Scale (POFRAS), milk volume and length of hospitalization. Result: Intervention group reached independent oral feeding earlier, length of hospitalization was shorter, and POFRAS score was higher. There was no difference in weight gain between groups. Conclusion: PIOMI combined with music therapy can improve feeding progression of premature infants by 8 days and reduce length of stay by 6 days.