Effects of two different feeding positions on physiological characteristics and feeding performance of preterm infants: A randomized controlled trial

Purpose The aim of this randomized controlled study was to determine the effect of semielevated side‐lying (ESL) and semielevated supine (ESU) positions, which are used to bottle‐feed preterm infants, on their physiological characteristics and feeding performance. Design and Methods The sample consisted of preterm infants who were born in the 31st gestational week and below, and met the inclusion criteria. A randomization was provided in the sample group with a total of 80 infants including 38 infants in the ESL (experimental) group and 42 infants in the ESU (control) group. Both groups were compared in terms of their SpO2 values, heart rates, and feeding performances before, during, and after the feeding. The data were obtained by using a form for infant descriptive characteristics, feeding follow‐up form, a Masimo Radical‐7 pulse oximeter device, and a video camera. Results It was determined that the infants in the ESL group had statistically significantly higher SpO2 values (ESL: 96.77 ± 2.51; ESU: 93.48 ± 5.63) and lower heart rates (ESL: 155.87 ± 11.18; ESU: 164.35 ± 6.00) during the feeding compared to the infants in the ESU group (p