Effect of Yakson’s Therapeutic Touch on Vital Signs, Growth Measurements and Behavioral State of Preterm Neonates

Farag, Marwa Mohamed; Zakaria, Sabrin El-sayed; Darwish, Azza Mostafa; Abouheiba, Marwa Gadelrab

doi:10.21608/asalexu.2022.267761

Effect of Yakson’s Therapeutic Touch on Vital Signs, Growth Measurements and Behavioral State of Preterm Neonates

Document Type : Research articles

Authors

¹ Pediatrics and Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University.

² Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Damanhour University

³ Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University

10.21608/asalexu.2022.267761

Abstract

Background: Yakson’s is a Korean therapeutic touch given to neonates and infants in which one hand
caresses their tummy while the other rests on their back to reduce pain and quiet them down. It could
significantly decrease the level of stress hormones and increase sleep efficiency during and after the
intervention which improve preterm neonate's health and relaxation. Objective: was to investigate the
effect of Yakson’s therapeutic touch on vital signs, growth measurements and behavioral state of
preterm neonates. Setting: This study was conducted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of
Alexandria University Maternity Hospital (AUMH) -El Shatby and Smouha Children's University
Hospital (SCUH). Subjects: A convenient sample of 60 preterm neonates who were randomly allocated
to two equal groups (control and study). Tools: Three tools were used; preterm neonate’s perinatal and
admission data assessment sheet, preterm neonates' vital signs and growth measurements record and
Anderson behavioral state scale (ABSS). Results: Very large effect size of Yakson therapeutic touch
was found regarding preterm neonates’ behavioral state (Cohen’s D=3.58), mid arm circumference
(Cohen’s D=1.52) and the vital signs. Moreover, large effect size of Yakson’s therapeutic touch was
found on preterm neonates’ length, chest and head circumference throughout the study phases (Cohen’s
D=0.88, Cohen’s D=1.13, Cohen’s D=1.02 respectively). Conclusion: Yakson’s therapeutic touch has
a significant effect on preterm neonates’ vital signs stability, growth measurements increase and
behavioral state score decrease.

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