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EFFECTS OF HAMMOCK POSITIONING ON CLINICAL PARAMETERS IN PRETERM INFANTS ADMITTED TO A NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To review the effects of the hammock positioning on clinical parameters of preterm newborn infants (PTNB) admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Data sources:

This was a systematic review performed by searching the Pubmed, Lilacs, SciELO and PEDro databases. Intervention studies in English, Portuguese and Spanish that evaluated the effects of hammock positioning on clinical parameters of PTNB admitted to the NICU were selected. Three search strategies were used: 1) hammock positioning OR patient positioning AND intensive care units AND infant, newborn; 2) hammock positioning OR patient positioning AND intensive care units; 3) hammock positioning OR patient positioning AND intensive care units, neonatal. There was no restriction on the year of publication of the articles. Methodological quality was assessed by the PEDro scale.

Data synthesis:

Among 597 articles, only six were included and 139 neonates with gestational ages between 26 and 37 weeks and an average gestational weight <2240g were analyzed. Four studies included patients without any associated pathology and most of them placed the PTNB supine in hammock positioning. The duration of the intervention ranged from 15 to 180 minutes and most applied it at just one moment. There was an improvement in heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and pain (3/4 studies), as well as gains in peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) (2/4 studies). Only one study reported worsening of SpO2 with the intervention. The methodological quality of the studies was classified as low.

Conclusions:

Although this review suggests improvement with hammock positioning in HR, RR and pain in PTNB, the low methodological quality makes the results inconsistent.

Keywords:
Premature newborn; Patient positioning; Neonatal Intensive Care Units

RESUMO

Objetivo:

Revisar os efeitos da rede de posicionamento nos parâmetros clínicos de recém-nascidos pré-termo (RNPT) admitidos em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal (UTIN).

Fontes de dados:

Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática realizada na PubMed, na Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs), na Biblioteca Eletrônica Científica Online (SciELO) e na Base de Dados em Evidências em Fisioterapia (PEDro). Selecionaram-se estudos de intervenção, nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol, que avaliaram os efeitos da rede de posicionamento sobre parâmetros clínicos de RNPT admitidos em UTIN. Foram utilizadas três estratégias de busca: hammock positioning OR patient positioning AND intensive care units AND infant, newborn; hammock positioning OR patient positioning AND intensive care units; e hammock positioning OR patient positioning AND intensive care units, neonatal. Não houve restrição quanto ao ano de publicação dos artigos. A qualidade metodológica foi avaliada pela escala PEDro.

Síntese dos dados:

De um total de 597 artigos, apenas seis foram incluídos. As amostras totalizaram 139 neonatos, com idade gestacional entre 26 e 37 semanas e média de peso gestacional <2.240 g. Quatro estudos incluíram pacientes sem nenhuma patologia associada, e a maior parte deles dispôs os RNPT em supino na rede de posicionamento. A duração da intervenção variou de 15 até 180 minutos, e a maioria aplicou essa intervenção em apenas um momento. Foi observada melhora na frequência cardíaca (FC), na frequência respiratória (FR) e na dor (3/4 estudos), além de ganhos na saturação periférica de oxigênio (SpO2) (2/4 estudos). Apenas um artigo relatou piora da SpO2 com a intervenção. A qualidade metodológica foi classificada como baixa.

Conclusões:

Embora a rede de posicionamento pareça causar melhora na FC, na FR e na dor em RNPT, a baixa qualidade metodológica torna inconsistentes os resultados.

Palavras-chave:
Recém-nascido prematuro; Posicionamento do paciente; Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal

INTRODUCTION

The synchronous-active theory of newborn neurobehavioral organization, proposed by Heidelise Als in 1982, describes newborns' behavioral organization and their development regarding the balance between children’s interaction with the environment and their neurobehavioral subsystems. The subsystems include the autonomous system, the motor system, behavioral status, attention-interaction and the regulatory system, all of which have a sequential and interdependent maturation.11. Als H. Toward a synactive theory of development: promise for the assessment of infant individuality. Infant Ment Health J. 1982;3:229-43. https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-0355(198224)3:4%3C229::AID-IMHJ2280030405%3E3.0.CO;2-H
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,22. Als H. A synactive model of neonatal behavioral organization: framework for the assessment of neurobehavioral development in the premature infant and for support of infants and parents in the neonatal intensive care environment. Phys Occup Ther Pediatr. 1986;6:3-53.

Preterm newborns (PTNB) admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) may present changes in their neurobehavioral organization, as they are exposed to light, noise, handling and painful interventions. This is capable of causing physiological disorganization, energy expenditure, hemodynamic instability, changes in intracranial pressure and central nervous system involvement.33. Walter-Nicolet E, Annequin D, Biran V, Mitanchez D, Tourniaire B. Pain management in newborns: from prevention to treatment. Pediatr Drugs. 2010;12:353-65. https://doi.org/10.2165/11318900-000000000-00000
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,44. Jesus VR, Oliveira PM, Azevedo VM. Effects of hammock positioning in behavioral status, vital signs, and pain in preterms: a case series study. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018;22:304-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.03.002
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,55. Sousa SS, Jesus RL, Falcão LM. Relation of the therapeutic positioning with levels of oxygen saturation in preterm infants. Rev Interd Ciên Saúde. 2015;2:56-63.,66. Santos LM, Oliveira I, Santana R, Oliveira V, Goes E. Experiences of mothers of premature newborns in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Rev Soc Bras Enferm Ped. 2013;13:73-81.,77. Amaral JB, Resende TA, Contim D, Barichello E. The nursing staff in the face of pain among preterm newborns. Esc Anna Nery. 2014;18:241-6. https://doi.org/10.5935/1414-8145.20140035
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Behavioral strategies for positioning and sensory stimulation are necessary in the NICU in order to minimize the losses triggered by these stressors and to promote comfort.44. Jesus VR, Oliveira PM, Azevedo VM. Effects of hammock positioning in behavioral status, vital signs, and pain in preterms: a case series study. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018;22:304-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.03.002
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
,77. Amaral JB, Resende TA, Contim D, Barichello E. The nursing staff in the face of pain among preterm newborns. Esc Anna Nery. 2014;18:241-6. https://doi.org/10.5935/1414-8145.20140035
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.5935/...

Over the past 15 years, initiatives to humanize care within the NICU have emphasized the importance of this type of strategy, articulating the technical quality of care, welcoming technologies, support for patients and family members. These initiatives have been presented in several fields, but have been implemented a priori in care for childbirth and newborns. Among these actions, humanized birth, the kangaroo method, water immersion, music therapy and hammock positioning stand out.88. Costa KF, Beleza LO, Souza LM, Ribeiro LM. Hammock position and nesting: comparison of physiological and behavioral effects in preterm infants. Rev Gaúcha Enferm. 2016;37:e62554. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-1447.2016.esp.62554
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,99. Brazil - Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Atenção à Saúde. Departamento de Ações Programáticas Estratégicas. Humanized care low birth weight: Kangaroo Method: technical manual. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2017.,1010. Arnon S. Music therapy intervention in the neonatal intensive care unit environment. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2011;87:183-5. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0021-75572011000300001
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,1111. Vignochi C, Teixeira PP, Nader SS. Effect of aquatic physical therapy on pain and state of sleep and wakefulness among stable preterm newborns in neonatal intensive care units. Braz J Phys Ther. 2010;14:214-20. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1413-35552010000300013
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1590/...

Hammock positioning is a method that is considered to be simple and low cost, consisting of positioning the PTNB in a hammock commonly made of fabric that has a rectangular shape and is fixed at the ends of the incubators.99. Brazil - Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Atenção à Saúde. Departamento de Ações Programáticas Estratégicas. Humanized care low birth weight: Kangaroo Method: technical manual. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2017. The therapeutic position with this method potentially simulates the intrauterine environment, providing relaxation and the development of spontaneous and functional motor skills, in addition to minimizing postural abnormalities and asymmetries related to prematurity and NICU stay.44. Jesus VR, Oliveira PM, Azevedo VM. Effects of hammock positioning in behavioral status, vital signs, and pain in preterms: a case series study. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018;22:304-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.03.002
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
,77. Amaral JB, Resende TA, Contim D, Barichello E. The nursing staff in the face of pain among preterm newborns. Esc Anna Nery. 2014;18:241-6. https://doi.org/10.5935/1414-8145.20140035
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.5935/...
,1212. Monterosso L, Kristjanson L, Cole J. Neuromotor development and the physiologic effects of positioning in very low birth weight infants. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 2002;31:138-46. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1552-6909.2002.tb00033.x
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,1313. Bezerra IF, Torres VB, Lopes JM, Baroni MP, Pereira SA. Assessment of the influence of the hammock on neuromotor development in nursing full-term infants. Rev Bras Crescimento Desenvolv Hum. 2014;24:106-11. In Brazil, it is used mainly in the Northeast Region and, despite its applicability, there is little evidence regarding its indication. Hammock positioning has been studied in preterm infants and hemodynamically stable term infants who have not needed oxygen therapy.88. Costa KF, Beleza LO, Souza LM, Ribeiro LM. Hammock position and nesting: comparison of physiological and behavioral effects in preterm infants. Rev Gaúcha Enferm. 2016;37:e62554. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-1447.2016.esp.62554
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1590/...
,1414. Queiroz CM, Santos-de-Araújo AD, Ferreira LM, Silva JA, Bassi D, Souza CT, et al. Repercussions in newborns using hammocks and prone position. Rev Investig Bioméd. 2017;9:159-67. https://doi.org/10.24863/rib.v9i2.127
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24863...

Bottos et al. in 1985,1515. Bottos M, Pettenazzo A, Giancola G, Stefani D, Pettena G, Viscolani B, et al. The effect of a ‘containing’position in a hammock versus the supine position on the cutaneous oxygen level in premature and term babies. Early Hum Dev. 1985;11:265-73. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-3782(85)90080-5
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
were the first researchers to compare cardiorespiratory outcomes in PTNB and those born at term with the use of hammock positioning or in the supine position. All research subjects were placed in incubators for 23 minutes, alternating in both positions. In this study, no significant changes were found in peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) among patients undergoing both strategies, even when stratifying them with regard to birth weight (≥2,000 g) and gestational age (≥35 weeks ).1515. Bottos M, Pettenazzo A, Giancola G, Stefani D, Pettena G, Viscolani B, et al. The effect of a ‘containing’position in a hammock versus the supine position on the cutaneous oxygen level in premature and term babies. Early Hum Dev. 1985;11:265-73. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-3782(85)90080-5
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
Over time, other studies have emerged, and in some of them, improvement has been observed in sleep,44. Jesus VR, Oliveira PM, Azevedo VM. Effects of hammock positioning in behavioral status, vital signs, and pain in preterms: a case series study. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018;22:304-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.03.002
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
in relaxation,1616. Pereira SA, Fonseca Filho GG, Holanda NS, Castro-Vieira DE, Moran CA. The hammock as a therapeutic alternative at the neonatal intensive care unit. Man Ther Posturology Rehabil. 2018;16:637. http://dx.doi.org/10.17784/mtprehabjournal.2018.16.637
https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.177...
in neuropsychomotor development,1717. Albuquerque TM, Albuquerque RC. Positioning strategies and containment newborn preterm used in neonatal intensive careunits. Rev Interinst Bras Ter Ocup (Rio de Janeiro). 2017;1:40-51. in decreasing energy expenditure1818. Silva PS, Pereira AP, Matos MR, Teodoro EC. Bed positioning and oxygen saturation in preterm infants. Fisioter Bra. 2010;11:387-91. http://dx.doi.org/10.33233/fb.v11i5.1427
https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.332...
and in stress.1919. Keller A, Arbel N, Merlob P, Davidson S. Neurobehavioral and autonomic effects of hammock positioning in infants with very low birth weight. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2003;15:3-7. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.PEP.0000049507.48347.26
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1097/...
Furthermore, a recent survey77. Amaral JB, Resende TA, Contim D, Barichello E. The nursing staff in the face of pain among preterm newborns. Esc Anna Nery. 2014;18:241-6. https://doi.org/10.5935/1414-8145.20140035
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.5935/...
showed that the weight of PTNB in NICUs in hammock positioning was higher at the time of hospital discharge compared to those who received the kangaroo method.

Therefore, taking into account the frequent stressors of PTNB in the NICU and the different strategies of humanized care, especially simple management such as hammock positioning,2020. Lino LH, Coelho PG, Fonseca FL, Filipini R. The swing balance benefits in incubators with newborns on neonatal ICU: the humanization strategy. Rev Enferm. 2015;18:88-100. the investigation into the possible effects of this method is justified. Furthermore, to date, no critical or systematic review has been found on the subject. Thus, the aim of the present study was to systematically review the effects of hammock positioning on clinical parameters of PTNB admitted to the NICU.

METHOD

The systematic review was carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes2121. Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG; PRISMA Group. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. PLoS Med. 2009;6:e1000097. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1000097
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1371/...
and by searching the PubMed databases via the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro).

Intervention studies (clinical and/or quasi-experimental) were selected in English, Portuguese and Spanish, with no filter as to the age and year of publication of the articles. The study selection period was between May and September 2019.

The search used to select the articles was based on six keywords that were associated with Boolean descriptors. Three search strategies were used in each database:

  • Hammock positioning OR patient positioning AND intensive care units AND infant, newborn.

  • Hammock positioning OR patient positioning AND intensive care units.

  • Hammock positioning OR patient positioning AND intensive care units, neonatal.

All of these terms are controlled descriptors, registered in the Health Sciences Descriptors (Descritores em Ciências da Saúde - DeCS), with the exception of the keyword “hammock positioning”. We chose to leave it because many studies use this term in abstracts. All descriptors had to have at least the title, abstract or keywords. In addition, the references of the included studies were reviewed to verify possible articles to compose the present work (grey literature).

Studies that evaluated the effects of hammock positioning on clinical parameters (vital signs, pain, stress, sleep/wake, temperature, organizational status, neuromuscular maturity, autonomic stability and posture) of PTNB (<37 weeks), with/without associated pathologies and admitted to the NICU. On the other hand, abstracts, dissertations, theses, clinical guidelines, editorial letters, review articles, case reports, expert opinions and studies involving infants in their samples were excluded.

After identifying the descriptors in the title, in the abstract and/or in the keywords, the abstracts were read from the selected articles in order to assess adequacy regarding the eligibility criteria. The studies that presented the predetermined criteria had their full text acquired for detailed analysis and data extraction. The search and analysis of the articles were conducted independently by two reviewers, with any disagreement resolved with a third reviewer.

The following study characteristics were collected: name of the first author, year of publication of the study, country (origin) of data collection, sample size, study objective, age and gestational weight, associated pathologies, clinical parameters analyzed, moments of data evaluation, type/characteristic of the intervention, frequency and duration of therapy, statistical analysis and main results.

Methodological quality was analyzed by two evaluators, and any problem of divergence was resolved by consensus. The PEDro scale was used, based on the Delphi method, which aims to assist users in the methodological quality of clinical trials (criteria 2 to 9 of the scale) and statistical description (criteria 10 and 11 of the scale). The number of criteria met gave it its qualification. Item 1 was not calculated in the score, as it is an item that assesses the external validity of the study. Therefore, the score was between 0 and 10, characterizing the highest score as the best methodological quality.2222. Shiwa S, Costa L, Moser A, Aguiar I, Oliveira L. PEDro: the physiotherapy evidence database. Fisioter Mov. 2011;24:523-33. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-51502011000300017
https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.159...

RESULTS

Of a total of 597 articles identified in the databases, only six were included in this review (Figure 1). Four studies (66.6%) were conducted in Brazil, and two (44.4%) were clinical, controlled and randomized trials (Table 1).

Figure 1.
Systematization of the selection of studies in this review.

Table 1
Identification of the studies included in this review.

The samples, whose sample size varied between 15 and 30 participants, totaled 139 individuals. They contained neonates with a gestational age between 26 and 37 weeks and a gestational weight <2,240 g. Of these samples, two (44.4%) included PTNB with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and/or respiratory distress syndrome. The most investigated variables were vital signs (heart rate - HR, respiratory rate - RR, peripheral oxygen saturation - SpO2) and pain, in four (66.6%) studies. Also, changes were recorded in relation to behavioral, organizational and maturational states, among others. Three articles (50.0%) recorded the variables before, throughout and immediately after the interventions (Table 2).

Table 2
Characteristics of the evaluated samples.

The majority (66.6%) of the studies placed the newborn in a supine position in the hammock positioning, while another portion (44.4%) put them in lateral decubitus. Regarding the studies that obtained a control group, two of the patients were placed in prone (nest) and two others in lateral decubitus in the nest. The duration of the intervention time varied between 15 and 180 minutes, and the interventions were performed in just one moment or in up to 10 days.

Among the main results observed, the improvement of vital signs (HR and RR) and pain in 75% of them (3/4 studies) and the increase in SpO2 by 50% (2/4 studies) stand out. There were gains in behavioral, organizational and maturational states, however the intervention with hammock positioning did not change weight gain, body temperature or blood pressure levels. Only one study (16.6%) reported worsening of SpO2 (Table 3).

Table 3
Main results of studies included in this review.

Finally, the average methodological quality was 5.33, varying between 3 and 8 points. Only two studies (33.3%) had scores >7, while the others (66.6%) were classified as having low methodological quality. The documents lost points mainly in the items about the hidden/random allocation, the blind assessors/therapists, and the homogeneity of the investigated groups (Table 4).

Table 4
Evaluation of the methodological quality of the studies included in this review.

DISCUSSION

In this review, six studies were selected,44. Jesus VR, Oliveira PM, Azevedo VM. Effects of hammock positioning in behavioral status, vital signs, and pain in preterms: a case series study. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018;22:304-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.03.002
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
,88. Costa KF, Beleza LO, Souza LM, Ribeiro LM. Hammock position and nesting: comparison of physiological and behavioral effects in preterm infants. Rev Gaúcha Enferm. 2016;37:e62554. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-1447.2016.esp.62554
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1590/...
,1414. Queiroz CM, Santos-de-Araújo AD, Ferreira LM, Silva JA, Bassi D, Souza CT, et al. Repercussions in newborns using hammocks and prone position. Rev Investig Bioméd. 2017;9:159-67. https://doi.org/10.24863/rib.v9i2.127
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24863...
,1919. Keller A, Arbel N, Merlob P, Davidson S. Neurobehavioral and autonomic effects of hammock positioning in infants with very low birth weight. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2003;15:3-7. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.PEP.0000049507.48347.26
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1097/...
,2323. Ribas CG, Andreazza MG, Neves VC, Valderramas S. Effectiveness of hammock positioning in reducing pain and improving sleep-wakefulness state in preterm infants. Respir Care. 2019;64:384-9. https://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.06265
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4187/...
,2424. Zanardo V, Trevisanuto D, Dani C, Bottos M, Guglielmi A, Cantarutti F. Oxygen saturation in premature neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in a hammock. Biol Neonate. 1995;67:54-8. https://doi.org/10.1159/000244143
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1159/...
that evaluated the effects of hammock positioning on some clinical parameters, such as pain and vital signs of PTNB admitted to the NICU. Although hammock positioning appears to cause improvement in HR, RR and pain levels,44. Jesus VR, Oliveira PM, Azevedo VM. Effects of hammock positioning in behavioral status, vital signs, and pain in preterms: a case series study. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018;22:304-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.03.002
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
,88. Costa KF, Beleza LO, Souza LM, Ribeiro LM. Hammock position and nesting: comparison of physiological and behavioral effects in preterm infants. Rev Gaúcha Enferm. 2016;37:e62554. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-1447.2016.esp.62554
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1590/...
,1414. Queiroz CM, Santos-de-Araújo AD, Ferreira LM, Silva JA, Bassi D, Souza CT, et al. Repercussions in newborns using hammocks and prone position. Rev Investig Bioméd. 2017;9:159-67. https://doi.org/10.24863/rib.v9i2.127
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24863...
,2323. Ribas CG, Andreazza MG, Neves VC, Valderramas S. Effectiveness of hammock positioning in reducing pain and improving sleep-wakefulness state in preterm infants. Respir Care. 2019;64:384-9. https://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.06265
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4187/...
more randomized clinical trials are still needed to confirm these therapeutic findings. To date, the low methodological quality of the selected studies makes the results reported in this review inconsistent, limiting its recommendation in professional clinical practice.

Hammock positioning is a humanization strategy within the NICU, based on the synchronous-active theory of the newborn's neurobehavioral organization, considering that it aims to optimize a child's interaction with their neurobehavioral environment and subsystems.22. Als H. A synactive model of neonatal behavioral organization: framework for the assessment of neurobehavioral development in the premature infant and for support of infants and parents in the neonatal intensive care environment. Phys Occup Ther Pediatr. 1986;6:3-53. Our findings showed that almost all of the studies44. Jesus VR, Oliveira PM, Azevedo VM. Effects of hammock positioning in behavioral status, vital signs, and pain in preterms: a case series study. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018;22:304-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.03.002
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
,2323. Ribas CG, Andreazza MG, Neves VC, Valderramas S. Effectiveness of hammock positioning in reducing pain and improving sleep-wakefulness state in preterm infants. Respir Care. 2019;64:384-9. https://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.06265
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4187/...
,88. Costa KF, Beleza LO, Souza LM, Ribeiro LM. Hammock position and nesting: comparison of physiological and behavioral effects in preterm infants. Rev Gaúcha Enferm. 2016;37:e62554. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-1447.2016.esp.62554
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1590/...
observed positive effects of the hammock on vital parameters, including HR and RR. According to some authors,1414. Queiroz CM, Santos-de-Araújo AD, Ferreira LM, Silva JA, Bassi D, Souza CT, et al. Repercussions in newborns using hammocks and prone position. Rev Investig Bioméd. 2017;9:159-67. https://doi.org/10.24863/rib.v9i2.127
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24863...
,2323. Ribas CG, Andreazza MG, Neves VC, Valderramas S. Effectiveness of hammock positioning in reducing pain and improving sleep-wakefulness state in preterm infants. Respir Care. 2019;64:384-9. https://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.06265
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4187/...
this intervention simulates the intrauterine environment through physiological positioning and the small swing generated by this device from the help of the newborn's body and respiratory movements. Physiologically, this could have a positive impact on the autonomous system, regulating respiratory movements and heart rate.2525. Fernandes GA, Santos TB. Evaluation of signs of stress in newborn preterm placed in rocking network neonatal intensive care unit: experimental clinical study with blinded evaluator. São Paulo: SMS; 2014.

Premature babies have immature inhibitory pathways that come from pain, due to the incomplete maturation of their central nervous system. A recent study highlighted that PTNB feel pain during invasive procedures in the NICU. Aspiration through an orotracheal tube and/or an airway is the main reason for this pain.2626. Cruz CT, Gomes JS, Kirchner RM, Stumm EM. Evaluation of pain of neonates during invasive procedures in intensive care. Rev Dor. 2016;17:197-200. http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/1806-0013.20160070
https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.593...
Furthermore, the routine procedures and painful stimuli within the unit increasingly corroborate the need for minimal handling of these patients.2727. Cabral L, Velloso M. Comparing the effects of minimal handling protocols on the physiological parameters of preterm infants receiving exogenous surfactant therapy. Braz J Phys Ther. 2014;18:152-64. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-35552012005000154
https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.159...
Non-pharmacological and low-risk resources that promote the reduction of stress and pain levels in PTNB should be encouraged, such as hammock positioning.44. Jesus VR, Oliveira PM, Azevedo VM. Effects of hammock positioning in behavioral status, vital signs, and pain in preterms: a case series study. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018;22:304-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.03.002
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
In this review, three studies88. Costa KF, Beleza LO, Souza LM, Ribeiro LM. Hammock position and nesting: comparison of physiological and behavioral effects in preterm infants. Rev Gaúcha Enferm. 2016;37:e62554. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-1447.2016.esp.62554
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1590/...
,1414. Queiroz CM, Santos-de-Araújo AD, Ferreira LM, Silva JA, Bassi D, Souza CT, et al. Repercussions in newborns using hammocks and prone position. Rev Investig Bioméd. 2017;9:159-67. https://doi.org/10.24863/rib.v9i2.127
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24863...
,2323. Ribas CG, Andreazza MG, Neves VC, Valderramas S. Effectiveness of hammock positioning in reducing pain and improving sleep-wakefulness state in preterm infants. Respir Care. 2019;64:384-9. https://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.06265
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4187/...
reported that such intervention generated a reduction in pain levels, by using different assessment tools.88. Costa KF, Beleza LO, Souza LM, Ribeiro LM. Hammock position and nesting: comparison of physiological and behavioral effects in preterm infants. Rev Gaúcha Enferm. 2016;37:e62554. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-1447.2016.esp.62554
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1590/...
,1414. Queiroz CM, Santos-de-Araújo AD, Ferreira LM, Silva JA, Bassi D, Souza CT, et al. Repercussions in newborns using hammocks and prone position. Rev Investig Bioméd. 2017;9:159-67. https://doi.org/10.24863/rib.v9i2.127
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24863...
,2323. Ribas CG, Andreazza MG, Neves VC, Valderramas S. Effectiveness of hammock positioning in reducing pain and improving sleep-wakefulness state in preterm infants. Respir Care. 2019;64:384-9. https://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.06265
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4187/...
In general, these scales assess the behavioral, physiological and contextual aspects of the occurrence of pain.88. Costa KF, Beleza LO, Souza LM, Ribeiro LM. Hammock position and nesting: comparison of physiological and behavioral effects in preterm infants. Rev Gaúcha Enferm. 2016;37:e62554. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-1447.2016.esp.62554
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1590/...
,1414. Queiroz CM, Santos-de-Araújo AD, Ferreira LM, Silva JA, Bassi D, Souza CT, et al. Repercussions in newborns using hammocks and prone position. Rev Investig Bioméd. 2017;9:159-67. https://doi.org/10.24863/rib.v9i2.127
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24863...
,2323. Ribas CG, Andreazza MG, Neves VC, Valderramas S. Effectiveness of hammock positioning in reducing pain and improving sleep-wakefulness state in preterm infants. Respir Care. 2019;64:384-9. https://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.06265
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4187/...
Only the research by Jesus et al.44. Jesus VR, Oliveira PM, Azevedo VM. Effects of hammock positioning in behavioral status, vital signs, and pain in preterms: a case series study. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018;22:304-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.03.002
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
showed no change in the levels of this outcome. This result can be attributed to the fact that the studied group consisted of PTNB with greater immaturity of the neural pathways of pain, and a lower gestational age (28 to 36 weeks) and birth weight (<1,500 g) was considered in their sample.

Previous studies have shown that different positions positively influence PTNBs, contributing to lower energy expenditure, improved oxygenation, reduced episodes of gastroesophageal reflux and lower thoracoabdominal asynchronism.2828. Ammari A, Schulze KF, Ohira-Kist K, Kashyap S, Fifer WP, Myers MM, et al. Effects of body position on thermal, cardiorespiratory and metabolic activity in low birth weight infants. Early Hum Dev. 2009;85:497-501. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2009.04.005
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
,2929. Brunherotti M, Martinez FE. Response of oxygen saturation in preterm infants receiving rib cage stabilization with an elastic band in two body positions: a randomized clinical trial. Braz J Phys Ther. 2013;17:105-11. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1413-35552012005000082
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1590/...
Many devices, both artisanal and commercial, are available to assist in this positioning, favoring body flexion, including nest and hammock positioning, a fact documented here.3030. Toso BR, Viera CS, Valter JM, Delatore S, Barreto GM. Validation of newborn positioning protocol in Intensive Care Unit. Rev Bras Enferm. 2015;68:1147-53. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0034-7167.2015680621i
https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.159...
Although therapeutic positioning is considered a to be a common management practice within the NICU, it can alternate in decubitus, depending on the location, the therapeutic resource and the underlying pathology. Scientifically, the prone position is documented as being more beneficial compared to the supine position. This occurs due to greater stability of the rib cage and more space for the diaphragmatic muscle fiber, which enhances its action. However, as the results of the present study are directed to the use of hammocks, no study used this type of positioning.

Although therapeutic positioning has a positive relationship with SpO2, only two studies reported significant changes in this variable with the use of hammock positioning, while two others reported not changing44. Jesus VR, Oliveira PM, Azevedo VM. Effects of hammock positioning in behavioral status, vital signs, and pain in preterms: a case series study. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018;22:304-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.03.002
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
or clinical worsening.2424. Zanardo V, Trevisanuto D, Dani C, Bottos M, Guglielmi A, Cantarutti F. Oxygen saturation in premature neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in a hammock. Biol Neonate. 1995;67:54-8. https://doi.org/10.1159/000244143
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1159/...
The lack of benefits in these two studies44. Jesus VR, Oliveira PM, Azevedo VM. Effects of hammock positioning in behavioral status, vital signs, and pain in preterms: a case series study. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018;22:304-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.03.002
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
,2424. Zanardo V, Trevisanuto D, Dani C, Bottos M, Guglielmi A, Cantarutti F. Oxygen saturation in premature neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in a hammock. Biol Neonate. 1995;67:54-8. https://doi.org/10.1159/000244143
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1159/...
could be explained, at least in part, by the greater severity of the samples, including the very/extremely low weight,44. Jesus VR, Oliveira PM, Azevedo VM. Effects of hammock positioning in behavioral status, vital signs, and pain in preterms: a case series study. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018;22:304-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.03.002
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
,2424. Zanardo V, Trevisanuto D, Dani C, Bottos M, Guglielmi A, Cantarutti F. Oxygen saturation in premature neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in a hammock. Biol Neonate. 1995;67:54-8. https://doi.org/10.1159/000244143
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1159/...
hemodynamic instability2424. Zanardo V, Trevisanuto D, Dani C, Bottos M, Guglielmi A, Cantarutti F. Oxygen saturation in premature neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in a hammock. Biol Neonate. 1995;67:54-8. https://doi.org/10.1159/000244143
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1159/...
and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.2424. Zanardo V, Trevisanuto D, Dani C, Bottos M, Guglielmi A, Cantarutti F. Oxygen saturation in premature neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in a hammock. Biol Neonate. 1995;67:54-8. https://doi.org/10.1159/000244143
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1159/...
Some studies carried out in children and adults have shown greater benefits in saturation and partial oxygen pressure in the prone position compared to supine, with this improvement being more evident in the presence of lung disease.2929. Brunherotti M, Martinez FE. Response of oxygen saturation in preterm infants receiving rib cage stabilization with an elastic band in two body positions: a randomized clinical trial. Braz J Phys Ther. 2013;17:105-11. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1413-35552012005000082
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1590/...
,3131. Monte LF, Silva Filho LV, Miyoshi MH, Rozov T. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia. J Pediatr (Rio J.). 2005;81:99-110.,3232. Wells DA, Gillies D, Fitzgerald DA. Positioning for acute respiratory distress in hospitalised infants and children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005;7:CD003645. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003645.pub2
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/...
,3333. Oliveira LC, Rugolo LM. The effect of saturation postura de O2 in new-born of Intensive Care Units Neonatal. Fisioter Mov. 1994;6:54-64. This could explain the fact of the worsening treatment of PTNB in the study by Zanardo et al.2424. Zanardo V, Trevisanuto D, Dani C, Bottos M, Guglielmi A, Cantarutti F. Oxygen saturation in premature neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in a hammock. Biol Neonate. 1995;67:54-8. https://doi.org/10.1159/000244143
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1159/...
, as the patients were positioned in supine in this intervention. Furthermore, it is known that a ventilatory strategy to minimize lung injury in bronchopulmonary dysplasia is the use of the prone position, which is different from the position used by its sample.3131. Monte LF, Silva Filho LV, Miyoshi MH, Rozov T. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia. J Pediatr (Rio J.). 2005;81:99-110. It is recommended that this type of therapy be evaluated and used by trained professionals. Furthermore, it should not be applied indiscriminately, without monitoring, and preferably by physiotherapists.99. Brazil - Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Atenção à Saúde. Departamento de Ações Programáticas Estratégicas. Humanized care low birth weight: Kangaroo Method: technical manual. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2017.

In health care practice, the presence of pain and discomfort causes changes in the blood pressure of PTNB due to the different regulatory mechanisms. Among them are the neural mechanisms linked to the autonomic nervous system and the hormonal system, which is related to renin-angiotensin.3434. Cordeiro RA, Costa R. Non-pharmacological methods for relief of discomfort and pain in newborns: a collective nursing construction. Texto Contexto-Enferm. 2014;23:185-92. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-07072014000100022
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1590/...
,3535. Mauad H, Cabral AM, Vasquez EC. Blood pressure control. Rev Bras Hipertens. 1997;4:206-13. However, in this review, only one study1414. Queiroz CM, Santos-de-Araújo AD, Ferreira LM, Silva JA, Bassi D, Souza CT, et al. Repercussions in newborns using hammocks and prone position. Rev Investig Bioméd. 2017;9:159-67. https://doi.org/10.24863/rib.v9i2.127
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24863...
reported that there were no significant changes in blood pressure or body temperature with the use of hammock positioning. Although it is not justified in the scientific literature, it seems that hammocks when applied only once and for a short period of time do not impact these parameters, unlike the outcomes HR, RR and pain.44. Jesus VR, Oliveira PM, Azevedo VM. Effects of hammock positioning in behavioral status, vital signs, and pain in preterms: a case series study. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018;22:304-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.03.002
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
,88. Costa KF, Beleza LO, Souza LM, Ribeiro LM. Hammock position and nesting: comparison of physiological and behavioral effects in preterm infants. Rev Gaúcha Enferm. 2016;37:e62554. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-1447.2016.esp.62554
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1590/...
,2323. Ribas CG, Andreazza MG, Neves VC, Valderramas S. Effectiveness of hammock positioning in reducing pain and improving sleep-wakefulness state in preterm infants. Respir Care. 2019;64:384-9. https://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.06265
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4187/...
However these clinical markers can be modified with other resources, such as, for example, a heated cradle, antipyretic and blood pressure regulating medications, among others.3636. Sepúlveda C, Urquidi C, Pittaluga E, Iñiguez G, Avila A, Carrasco F, et al. Differences in body composition and resting energy expenditure in childhood in preterm children born with very low birth weight. Horm Res Paediatr. 2013;79:347-55. https://doi.org/10.1159/000351466
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1159/...
,3737. Shankaran S, Bell EF, Laptook AR, Saha S, Newman NS, Kazzi SN, et al. Weaning of moderately preterm infants from the incubator to the crib: a randomized clinical trial. J Pediatr. 2019;204:96-102.e4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2018.08.079
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
,3838. Di Biase M, Casani A, Orfeo L. Invasive arterial blood pressure in the neonatal intensive care: a valuable tool to manage very ill preterm and term neonates. Ital J Pediatr. 2015;41 (Suppl 1):A9. https://doi.org/10.1186/1824-7288-41-S1-A9
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1186/...
,3939. Zubrow AB, Hulman S, Kushner H, Falkner B. Determinants of blood pressure in infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units: a prospective multicenter study. Philadelphia Neonatal Blood Pressure Study Group. J Perinatol. 1995;15:470-9.

The present study had some limitations. One of them was the fact that we included PTNB with associated diseases, in addition to prematurity.1414. Queiroz CM, Santos-de-Araújo AD, Ferreira LM, Silva JA, Bassi D, Souza CT, et al. Repercussions in newborns using hammocks and prone position. Rev Investig Bioméd. 2017;9:159-67. https://doi.org/10.24863/rib.v9i2.127
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24863...
,2424. Zanardo V, Trevisanuto D, Dani C, Bottos M, Guglielmi A, Cantarutti F. Oxygen saturation in premature neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in a hammock. Biol Neonate. 1995;67:54-8. https://doi.org/10.1159/000244143
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1159/...
We chose to leave them in the sample because the majority of patients admitted to the NICU have other comorbidities in clinical practice.4040. Damian A, Waterkemper R, Paludo CA. Profile of neonates hospitalized at a neonatal intensive care unit: a cross-sectional study. Arq Ciênc Saúde. 2016;23:100-5. In addition, the effects investigated in this study reflect more clinical changes in the short term (60 minutes),44. Jesus VR, Oliveira PM, Azevedo VM. Effects of hammock positioning in behavioral status, vital signs, and pain in preterms: a case series study. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018;22:304-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.03.002
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
,88. Costa KF, Beleza LO, Souza LM, Ribeiro LM. Hammock position and nesting: comparison of physiological and behavioral effects in preterm infants. Rev Gaúcha Enferm. 2016;37:e62554. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-1447.2016.esp.62554
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1590/...
,1414. Queiroz CM, Santos-de-Araújo AD, Ferreira LM, Silva JA, Bassi D, Souza CT, et al. Repercussions in newborns using hammocks and prone position. Rev Investig Bioméd. 2017;9:159-67. https://doi.org/10.24863/rib.v9i2.127
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24863...
,2424. Zanardo V, Trevisanuto D, Dani C, Bottos M, Guglielmi A, Cantarutti F. Oxygen saturation in premature neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in a hammock. Biol Neonate. 1995;67:54-8. https://doi.org/10.1159/000244143
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1159/...
since most studies evaluated the effects in just one period of time.44. Jesus VR, Oliveira PM, Azevedo VM. Effects of hammock positioning in behavioral status, vital signs, and pain in preterms: a case series study. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018;22:304-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.03.002
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
,88. Costa KF, Beleza LO, Souza LM, Ribeiro LM. Hammock position and nesting: comparison of physiological and behavioral effects in preterm infants. Rev Gaúcha Enferm. 2016;37:e62554. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-1447.2016.esp.62554
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1590/...
,1414. Queiroz CM, Santos-de-Araújo AD, Ferreira LM, Silva JA, Bassi D, Souza CT, et al. Repercussions in newborns using hammocks and prone position. Rev Investig Bioméd. 2017;9:159-67. https://doi.org/10.24863/rib.v9i2.127
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24863...
,2424. Zanardo V, Trevisanuto D, Dani C, Bottos M, Guglielmi A, Cantarutti F. Oxygen saturation in premature neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in a hammock. Biol Neonate. 1995;67:54-8. https://doi.org/10.1159/000244143
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1159/...
The low methodological quality of the research included in this review constitutes the greatest restriction of the study. Only two studies1919. Keller A, Arbel N, Merlob P, Davidson S. Neurobehavioral and autonomic effects of hammock positioning in infants with very low birth weight. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2003;15:3-7. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.PEP.0000049507.48347.26
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1097/...
,2323. Ribas CG, Andreazza MG, Neves VC, Valderramas S. Effectiveness of hammock positioning in reducing pain and improving sleep-wakefulness state in preterm infants. Respir Care. 2019;64:384-9. https://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.06265
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4187/...
obtained a methodological quality ≥7 points on the PEDro scale. The absence of hidden allocation,44. Jesus VR, Oliveira PM, Azevedo VM. Effects of hammock positioning in behavioral status, vital signs, and pain in preterms: a case series study. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018;22:304-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.03.002
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
,88. Costa KF, Beleza LO, Souza LM, Ribeiro LM. Hammock position and nesting: comparison of physiological and behavioral effects in preterm infants. Rev Gaúcha Enferm. 2016;37:e62554. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-1447.2016.esp.62554
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1590/...
,1414. Queiroz CM, Santos-de-Araújo AD, Ferreira LM, Silva JA, Bassi D, Souza CT, et al. Repercussions in newborns using hammocks and prone position. Rev Investig Bioméd. 2017;9:159-67. https://doi.org/10.24863/rib.v9i2.127
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24863...
,1919. Keller A, Arbel N, Merlob P, Davidson S. Neurobehavioral and autonomic effects of hammock positioning in infants with very low birth weight. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2003;15:3-7. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.PEP.0000049507.48347.26
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1097/...
,2323. Ribas CG, Andreazza MG, Neves VC, Valderramas S. Effectiveness of hammock positioning in reducing pain and improving sleep-wakefulness state in preterm infants. Respir Care. 2019;64:384-9. https://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.06265
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4187/...
,2424. Zanardo V, Trevisanuto D, Dani C, Bottos M, Guglielmi A, Cantarutti F. Oxygen saturation in premature neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in a hammock. Biol Neonate. 1995;67:54-8. https://doi.org/10.1159/000244143
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1159/...
blinding therapists 44. Jesus VR, Oliveira PM, Azevedo VM. Effects of hammock positioning in behavioral status, vital signs, and pain in preterms: a case series study. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018;22:304-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.03.002
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
,88. Costa KF, Beleza LO, Souza LM, Ribeiro LM. Hammock position and nesting: comparison of physiological and behavioral effects in preterm infants. Rev Gaúcha Enferm. 2016;37:e62554. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-1447.2016.esp.62554
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1590/...
,1414. Queiroz CM, Santos-de-Araújo AD, Ferreira LM, Silva JA, Bassi D, Souza CT, et al. Repercussions in newborns using hammocks and prone position. Rev Investig Bioméd. 2017;9:159-67. https://doi.org/10.24863/rib.v9i2.127
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24863...
,1919. Keller A, Arbel N, Merlob P, Davidson S. Neurobehavioral and autonomic effects of hammock positioning in infants with very low birth weight. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2003;15:3-7. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.PEP.0000049507.48347.26
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1097/...
,2323. Ribas CG, Andreazza MG, Neves VC, Valderramas S. Effectiveness of hammock positioning in reducing pain and improving sleep-wakefulness state in preterm infants. Respir Care. 2019;64:384-9. https://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.06265
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4187/...
,2424. Zanardo V, Trevisanuto D, Dani C, Bottos M, Guglielmi A, Cantarutti F. Oxygen saturation in premature neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in a hammock. Biol Neonate. 1995;67:54-8. https://doi.org/10.1159/000244143
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1159/...
and evaluators44. Jesus VR, Oliveira PM, Azevedo VM. Effects of hammock positioning in behavioral status, vital signs, and pain in preterms: a case series study. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018;22:304-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.03.002
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
,88. Costa KF, Beleza LO, Souza LM, Ribeiro LM. Hammock position and nesting: comparison of physiological and behavioral effects in preterm infants. Rev Gaúcha Enferm. 2016;37:e62554. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-1447.2016.esp.62554
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1590/...
,1414. Queiroz CM, Santos-de-Araújo AD, Ferreira LM, Silva JA, Bassi D, Souza CT, et al. Repercussions in newborns using hammocks and prone position. Rev Investig Bioméd. 2017;9:159-67. https://doi.org/10.24863/rib.v9i2.127
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24863...
,1919. Keller A, Arbel N, Merlob P, Davidson S. Neurobehavioral and autonomic effects of hammock positioning in infants with very low birth weight. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2003;15:3-7. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.PEP.0000049507.48347.26
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1097/...
,2424. Zanardo V, Trevisanuto D, Dani C, Bottos M, Guglielmi A, Cantarutti F. Oxygen saturation in premature neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in a hammock. Biol Neonate. 1995;67:54-8. https://doi.org/10.1159/000244143
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1159/...
and the lack of a control group44. Jesus VR, Oliveira PM, Azevedo VM. Effects of hammock positioning in behavioral status, vital signs, and pain in preterms: a case series study. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018;22:304-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.03.002
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
,2424. Zanardo V, Trevisanuto D, Dani C, Bottos M, Guglielmi A, Cantarutti F. Oxygen saturation in premature neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in a hammock. Biol Neonate. 1995;67:54-8. https://doi.org/10.1159/000244143
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1159/...
makes the results reported here fragile.

In conclusion, although hammock positioning seems to cause improvement in some clinical parameters, mainly HR, RR and pain in PTNB, the low methodological quality of the selected studies makes the results reported here inconsistent. Thus, new randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm these therapeutic findings, in order to assess, in the future, whether there is sufficient evidence to recommend this method in the NICU.

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Funding

  • The study did not receive any funding.

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    30 Nov 2020
  • Date of issue
    2021

History

  • Received
    08 Dec 2019
  • Accepted
    08 Mar 2020
  • Published
    26 Nov 2020
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