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Neuropediatrics 1973; 4(2): 145-150
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1091735
Original article

© 1973 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Neonatal Posture: Psychophysiological Effects

Yvonne Brackbill, Thomas C. Douthitt, Helen West
  • Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Georgetown University Medical School; the National Institute of Mental Health; and the George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
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Publication History

1972

1972

Publication Date:
18 November 2008 (online)

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gather physiological and behavioral correlates of postural positions in neonates. Thirty newborn infants were observed individually for two hours. Half were placed on their stomachs (prone) and half on their backs (supine). Results indicated that prone placement was associated with lower behavioral and physiological arousal, more sleep time, and less crying time. The findings were discussed for their practical and methodological applications and theoretical significance.

Zusammenfassung

Mit dieser Arbeit wurden physiologische und Verhaltensphänomene in Abhängigkeit von der Körperhaltung des Neugeborenen untersucht. Dreißig Neugeborene wurden einzeln zwei Stunden lang beobachtet. Die Hälfte von ihnen befand sich in Bauchlage, die andere Hälfte in Rückenlage. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen, daß die Bauchlage verbunden ist mit geringeren Weckreizen, mehr Schlaf und weniger Schreien.

Keyword

Newborn - Posture - Arousal - Physiological - Behavioral