CONTRIBUTIONS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY TO EARLY STIMULATION AND NEUROPSYCHOMOTOR DEVELOPMENT IN CRITICALLY ILL NEONATES

Abstract

Neonatal hospitalization is associated with a higher risk of neuropsychomotor developmental delay due to physiological immaturity and the need for intensive support. In this context, early stimulation stands out as an essential strategy to prevent complications and promote overall development, with physiotherapy playing a leading role through evidence-based interventions. This integrative review, conducted in the SciELO and Google Scholar databases using the descriptors physiotherapy, early stimulation, newborn, and hospitalized, included articles from the last five years in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, that were freely accessible and complete, while excluding incomplete or non-scientific studies. The results demonstrate that prematurity and low birth weight are determining factors for prolonged hospitalizations and an increased risk of motor delays. Physiotherapeutic intervention contributes to cardiorespiratory stability, improved oxygenation, reduced stress and pain, as well as promoting weight gain, neurological development, and earlier hospital discharge. Interventions such as the Kangaroo Method and individualized therapeutic plans showed benefits in neuroprotection, brain development, and strengthening the emotional bond between family and newborn. It is concluded that physiotherapy plays a fundamental role in the neonatal ICU by promoting early, humanized care aimed at improving the quality of life of the newborn.