Can daily sensory activities boost preterm baby brain development?

NCT ID NCT05230199

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Southern California Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests a structured program called SENSE, where parents provide daily multisensory activities like massage, rocking, and skin-to-skin care for their preterm babies in the NICU. The goal is to see if this consistent approach improves infant brain development, language skills, and parent-child bonding up to age 2. About 215 infants born at or before 32 weeks will take part, with half receiving the SENSE program and half getting standard care.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: SENSE multisensory program (behavioral intervention involving massage, auditory exposure, rocking, holding, and skin-to-skin care)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide a clear, evidence-based guide for parents and hospitals to support preterm infant brain development and parent well-being.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study with 215 participants, so results may not apply to all preterm infants. The program requires consistent parent involvement, which may be challenging for some families.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Premature Birth

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DEVELOPMENT, INFANT PARENT-CHILD RELATIONS PARENTS PRETERM SENSORY INTEGRATION DYSFUNCTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital
RECRUITING

St Louis, Missouri, 63104, United States

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