Short-Term Effects of Hydrokinesiotherapy in Hospitalized Preterm Newborns
Table 1
Hydrokinesiotherapy protocol used in this study.
Steps
Procedures
One
Fill the bucket with sufficient water to promote immersion up to shoulder level with flotation of the newborn.
Two
Adjust the water temperature to 37°C and monitor the temperature using an aquatic thermometer.
Three
Remove the newborn from the incubator and transfer them to the bucket in a bent posture organized around the midline, with pulse oximetry monitoring of the upper right limb.
Four
Ideal: 2 caregivers: one to execute the technique and the other to help with the procedure if necessary.
Five
Gently immerse the newborn in the bucket with the water level up to his/her shoulders.
Six
Perform subtle pelvic dissociations with anteroposterior, laterolateral, and superoinferior trunk movements, using the physical properties of the water, such as buoyancy and flotation. Agitated and crying newborns may benefit from physical contact with the sides of the bucket, simulating intrauterine containment.
Seven
Stimulate active movement of the upper and lower limbs.
Eight
Facilitate the newborn’s trunk rotation, both to the right and to left, using subtle movements with the aid of flotation.
Nine
Promote tactile-kinesthetic stimulation using light and slow movements, sliding the newborn in the liquid environment.
Ten
Repeat the maneuvers described above, and maintain postural organization. Close the protocol after 10 minutes with the newborn in the fetal position.
Eleven
After hydrokinesiotherapy is complete, return the newborn to the bed in the same form in which he/she was found before the intervention.