Effect of Kinesio Taping Combined With Oromotor Stimulation on Feeding Readiness in a Preterm Infant: A Case Report

Feeding difficulties are common in preterm infants due to immature oromotor and neurological systems. Oromotor stimulation (OMS) is widely used, while Kinesio taping (KT) is emerging as a supportive intervention. A preterm male infant born at 35 weeks of gestation presented with poor suck-swallow coordination, reduced tongue mobility, and feeding difficulties in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Baseline assessment included oral intake, weight, and the Early Feeding Skills (EFS) score. A structured seven-day protocol of daily OMS (5 minutes/session) combined with KT applied to the facial and suprahyoid muscles was administered by a trained physiotherapist. Oral intake improved from 432 mL/day to 453 mL/day. Body weight increased from 1.30 kg at baseline to 1.43 kg at the end of the intervention period. The EFS score improved from 57 to 70. No adverse reactions were observed. KT combined with OMS may be a safe and useful intervention for improving feeding readiness in preterm infants.