The efficacy and safety of mechanical vibratory stimulation (VTS) as a means of interrupting apnea in premature infants was studied via a new software system. Comparisons were made between responses to VTS and traditional hand stimulation by the nursing staff. The nurse defined a treatable event and choose either VTS or hand stimulation depending on a random 8 hour alternating schedule. Twenty-four apneic spells, from a single neonate, received stimulation; 12 received VTS and 12 hand stimulation.

VTS and traditional hand stimulation were found to be equally effective in terminating apnea ((9/12 (75%) vs. 10/12 (80%)). Mean time to resumption of breathing from onset of stimulation was similar (VTS 3.1 (plusminus) 2.6 seconds vs hand 3.7 (plusminus) 4.1 seconds, p=0.7), as was total apnea duration (VTS 28.1 (plusminus) 12.1 seconds vs hand 28.5 (plusminus)5.2 seconds, p=0.9). However, the duration of VTS was half as long as hand stimulation (VTS 2.9 (plusminus) 1.7 seconds vs. hand 6.8 (plusminus) 5.4 seconds, p=0.05). No adverse effects of VTS were noted. Since the duration of VTS was half that of hand stimulation, VTS may be more efficient in interrupting apnea. VTS offers promise in providing an initial response to apnea.