Effects of Songs Recorded by Parents on the Vital Signs of Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial

TL;DR

Playing songs recorded by parents helped stabilize the breathing and oxygen levels of preterm infants during hospital stays.

Contribution

This study is the first to show that recorded parental songs can improve vital signs in preterm infants.

Findings

Infants in the intervention group had significantly lower respiratory rates.

Pulse oximetry saturation slightly increased in the intervention group.

The intervention was safe and feasible during restricted visitation periods.

Abstract

Background: Preterm infants often have unstable vital signs and prolonged hospital stays that can hinder parent–infant bonding, especially under COVID-19 restrictions. This study aimed to evaluate whether listening to songs recorded by parents was effective in stabilizing the condition of premature infants. Methods: This randomized controlled study was conducted at the University of Miyazaki Hospital from October 2022 to March 2024 during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The participants were preterm infants born at less than 33 weeks gestation and their parents, all of whom recorded songs. The recorded songs were played daily to the infants in the intervention group, while the control group received usual care. Primary outcomes included vital signs (respiratory rate, pulse oximetry saturation, heart rate) and activity level. Results: Data for 33 preterm infants (intervention, n = 17 [total 749 sessions]; control, n = 16 [total 721 sessions]) were analyzed for changes in vital signs and activity levels. The intervention reduced infants’ respiratory rates (4.1 [95% CI: 2.5–5.6], p < 0.001) and slightly but statistically significantly increased pulse oximetry saturation (0.6 [95% CI: 0.02–1.2], p < 0.044). Conclusions: Recorded parental songs were found to safely stabilize the respiratory status of preterm infants and may serve as an accessible intervention to support parent–infant attachment, particularly in settings with restricted parental visitation.

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