A1 Journal article (refereed)
No impact of parental singing during the neonatal period on cognition in preterm‐born children at 2–3 years (2023)
Kostilainen, K., Hugoson, P., Haavisto, A., Partanen, E., Mikkola, K., Huotilainen, M., Pakarinen, S., Furmark, C., Ådén, U., & Fellman, V. (2023). No impact of parental singing during the neonatal period on cognition in preterm‐born children at 2–3 years. Acta Paediatrica, 112(7), 1471-1477. https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.16788
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Kostilainen, Kaisamari; Hugoson, Pernilla; Haavisto, Anu; Partanen, Eino; Mikkola, Kaija; Huotilainen, Minna; Pakarinen, Satu; Furmark, Catarina; Ådén, Ulrika; Fellman, Vineta
Journal or series: Acta Paediatrica
ISSN: 0803-5253
eISSN: 1651-2227
Publication year: 2023
Publication date: 06/04/2023
Volume: 112
Issue number: 7
Pages range: 1471-1477
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.16788
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/86576
Abstract
Studies examining the long-term effects of neonatal music interventions on the cognition of children born preterm are scarce. We investigated whether a parental singing intervention before term age improves cognitive and language skills in preterm-born children.
Methods
In this longitudinal two-country Singing Kangaroo randomised controlled trial, 74 preterm infants were allocated to a singing intervention or control group. A certified music therapist supported parents of 48 infants in the intervention group to sing or hum during daily skin-to-skin care (Kangaroo care) from neonatal care until term age. Parents of 26 infants in the control group conducted standard Kangaroo care. At 2–3 years of corrected age, the cognitive and language skills were assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition.
Results
There were no significant differences in cognitive and language skills between the intervention and control groups at the follow-up. No associations between the amount of singing and the cognitive and language scores were found.
Conclusion
Parental singing intervention during the neonatal period, previously shown to have some beneficial short-term effects on auditory cortical response in preterm infants at term age, showed no significant long-term effects on cognition or language at 2–3 years of corrected age.
Keywords: randomised controlled trials; premature infants; child development; psychological development; singing
Free keywords: Bayley scales of infant and toddler development; neurodevelopment; parental singing; preterm infant; randomised controlled trial
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2023
JUFO rating: 1
