Table 3: Main results of the studies included in the systematic review of the literature on sensory processing in preterm infants, which were published between 2005 and 2015.
| Author | Main results |
|---|---|
| Rahkonen et al. 35 | There was a high frequency of altered SP. SP outcome was associated with white matter lesions and surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus. No association was found between SP and neurodevelopment. |
| Adams et al. 36 | Preterm infants had significant lower scores on SSP compared to full term infants, with higher frequency of altered sensory processing. GA was associated with SP. Association was found between SP and executive function in preterm infants. There was no association between SP and adaptive function in preterm infants. |
| Cabral et al. 37 | Preterm infants are different from their full term peers in relation to the SP, especially regarding the reactivity to deep tactile pressure. No difference was found between the groups with regard to motor development. There was no statistically significant association of SP with motor development in both groups. |
| Chorna et al. 38 | There was a high frequency of abnormal SP, especially regarding reactivity to vestibular stimulation and reactivity to deep tactile pressure. GA, male gender, white matter lesions, and caregiver education were associated with SP outcomes. SP was associated with motor and language development. |
| Eeles et al. 39 | Preterm infants showedhigher frequency of SPalterations when compared to peers at term. Male gender, white matter lesions, and hospital stay were associated with SP outcomes. |
| Eeles et al. 40 | An association of SP outcomes with motor, cognitive, and languagedevelopment was found. |
| Wickremasinghe et al. 41 | There was a high frequency of altered SP, with similar prevalence at age ranges 1-4 years and 4-8 years. The most affected areas were the auditory, vestibular, and tactile processing. No association was observed between SP, neonatal characteristics, and neurodevelopment. |
| Bart et al. 42 | Preterm infants are different from the peers born at term in relation to the SP. There was a significant difference between groups in the frequency of participation in all areas of activities, except for leisure. The groups were also different with respect to the satisfaction of parents, except for social participation. Association was found between SP, GA, and head circumference. Days at hospital and multiple births were predictors of participation in daily activities and parental satisfaction. |
SP: sensory processing; SSP: Short Sensory Profile; GA: gestational age.