Sensory motor stimulation procedures: practices of physiotherapists in neonatal units

Abstract

Introduction: Sensory Motor Stimulation (SMS) comprises procedures used in neonatal units to promote physiological regulation, neurodevelopment, and modulation of stimuli in preterm infants. Objective: To identify SMS procedures used by physiotherapists working in neonatal units, as well as their frequency of use and the criteria adopted for their application. Methods: This cross-sectional, exploratory, and descriptive study was conducted from September to December 2020 using an electronic questionnaire developed based on the Delphi method. Active recruitment was carried out through online platforms and e-mail invitations sent to members of the Brazilian Association of Cardiorespiratory and Intensive Care Physiotherapy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results: Seventy-two physiotherapists participated in the study, most of whom were affiliated with public hospitals (63.9%) located in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil. Among tactile stimulation procedures, skin-to-skin contact (97.2%) and gentle touch (95.8%) were the most frequently reported. In the vestibular stimulation group, gentle rocking was the most cited procedure (70.8%); in olfactory and gustatory stimulation, glucose solution (55.5%); and in visual stimulation, face-to-face interaction (61.1%). Newborn clinical stability was identified as the main criterion for procedure application. Participants reported a lack of standardized criteria and attributed their knowledge mainly to complementary training. Conclusion: SMS procedures, especially tactile stimulation procedures, were frequently reported by physiotherapists working in neonatal units, although application criteria still vary. These findings may support future actions aimed at standardization and professional training.