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. 2008 Jun;14(3):79-86.
doi: 10.1016/j.jnn.2007.12.013.

Pacifier Stiffness Alters the Dynamics of the Suck Central Pattern Generator

Emily Zimmerman  1 , Steven M Barlow
Affiliations

Pacifier Stiffness Alters the Dynamics of the Suck Central Pattern Generator

Emily Zimmerman et al. J Neonatal Nurs. 2008 Jun.

Abstract

Variation in pacifier stiffness on non-nutritive suck (NNS) dynamics was examined among infants born prematurely with a history of respiratory distress syndrome. Three types of silicone pacifiers used in the NICU were tested for stiffness, revealing the Super Soothie™ nipple is 7 times stiffer than the Wee™ or Soothie™ pacifiers even though shape and displaced volume are identical. Suck dynamics among 20 preterm infants were subsequently sampled using the Soothie™ and Super Soothie™ pacifiers during follow-up at approximately 3 months of age. ANOVA revealed significant differences in NNS cycles/min, NNS amplitude, NNS cycles/burst, and NNS cycle periods as a function of pacifier stiffness. Infants modify the spatiotemporal output of their suck central pattern generator when presented with pacifiers with significantly different mechanical properties. Infants show a non-preference to suck due to high stiffness in the selected pacifier. Therefore, excessive pacifier stiffness may decrease ororhythmic patterning and impact feeding outcomes.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Sample NNS compression waveforms from T45 while sucking on each of the pacifier types.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The linear servo motor used to introduce step-wise nipple compressions in a repeated measures design to estimate materials stiffness of each pacifier type.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Stiffness profiles as a function of pacifier type.
Figure 4
Figure 4
NNS Busts/min
Figure 5
Figure 5
NNS Cycles/min
Figure 6
Figure 6
Mean NNS Amplitude
Figure 7
Figure 7
Mean Cycles/burst
Figure 8
Figure 8
Mean NNS Periods
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