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.