Table 2: Relevant information on the samples studied, objectives, age, assessments, and instruments applied in the studies included in the systematic review of literature on sensory processing in preterm infants, which were published between 2005 and 2015.
| Author | Sample | Objectives | Age,assessments, and instruments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rahkonen et al. 35 | 44 preterm infants (GA <28 weeks) | - To investigate the SP and its association with neonatal risk factors, neuroanatomical data and neurodevelopment | - Age term: brain neuroanatomical assessment (MRI) - Two years of corrected age: evaluation of SP (ITSP); neurological assessment (Hempel); assessment of mental development (GMDS); assessment of cognition and language (BSID) |
| Adams et al. 36 | 54 preterm infants (GA <34 weeks) and 73 full terminfants (GA>37 weeks) | - To compare the SPof preterm and full term infants and to check the association of SPwith executive and adaptive functions in preterm infants | - Between 3 and 5 years old: evaluation of SP (SSP); assessment of executive function (BRIEF-P and performance in six interactive tasks); evaluation of adaptive function (Vineland-II) |
| Cabral et al. 37 | 15 preterm infants (GA <37 weeks) and 15 full term infants (37> GA>42 weeks) | - To compare and investigate the association between SP and motor development in preterm and full terms infants | - Between 4 and 6 months of corrected age: evaluation of SP (TSFI); evaluation of motor development by AIMS. |
| Chorna et al. 38 | 40 preterm infants (GA <30 weeks) | - To assess the outcome of SP and its association with neurodevelopment | - Corrected age of 4-12 months: evaluation of SP (TSFI) - Two years of corrected age: evaluation of cognition, motor skills,and language (BSID). |
| Eeles et al. 39 | 253 preterm infants (GA <32 weeks) and 65 full term infants (GA>36 weeks) | - To examine the SP and its environmental and biological influences | - Age at full term: neuroanatomical assessment (MRI) - Two years of corrected age: evaluation of SP (ITSP) |
| Eeles et al. 40 | 241 preterm infants with GA<30 weeks | - To examine the SP and its association with neurodevelopment | - At two years of corrected age: evaluation of SP (ITSP) and neurodevelopment (BSID) |
| Wickremasinghe et al. 41 | 107 preterm infants (GA≤32 weeks) | - To check the outcome of SP and its association with neurodevelopment | - Between 1-8 years: evaluation of SP (ITSP and SSP); evaluation of neurodevelopment (BSID, WPPSI, and WISC) |
| Bart et al. 42 | 124 preterm infants (34> GA<36 weeks and 33 full term infants (GA>37 weeks) | - To compare the SP and participation in daily activities and to verify the association of SP with neonatal characteristics in preterm infants | - One year of chronological age: evaluation of SP (ITSP and TSFI) and of the participation in daily activities (own questionnaire). |
GA: gestational age; SP: sensory processing; MRI: magnetic resonance imaging; ITSP: Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile; GMDS: Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales; BSID: Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development; SSP: Short Sensory Profile; BRIEF-P: Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Preschool Version; Vineland-II: Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition, Parent/Caregiver Rating Form; TSFI: Test of Sensory Function in Infants; AIMS: Alberta In fant Motor Scale; WPPSI: Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence; WISC: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children.