Effects of a fixed-time feeding method on physiological parameters in preterm infants

Aim: This study investigated the effects of fixed-time (study group) and gravity (control group) feeding methods on respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and gastric residual volume in preterm infants. Material and Methods: This study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit. Preterm infants were fed with fixed-time and gravity feeding methods. The physiological parameters of the preterm infants were recorded. Results: Compared with the control group, preterm infants in the study group exhibited lower respiratory rate (p < 0.05), lower heart rate (p < 0.05) and higher oxygen saturation (p < 0.05) during feeding. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of gastric residual volume (p > 0.05). Discussion: Lower respiratory and heart rates and higher oxygen saturation rate were observed in infants fed by a fixed-time feeding method. The fixed-time feeding method may be suggested for use by healthcare professionals during the treatment of preterm infants.