Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of handling on pain responses of infants with very low birth weight (VLBW) and the frequency, duration, and type of handling procedures used during a 24-hour period for infants with VLBW.
Methods: Eighteen infants with VLBW were observed for two-hour periods. Infants' pain responses were recorded using the Neonatal Inventory Pain Scale before and after each handling episode.