| Abstract: | The relationship between ultradian rhythm of heart rate and schedules of body contact or feeding was studied in five low birth weight infants of conceptional ages of 34-36 weeks. The differential contribution of body contact and feeding to the formation of the ultradian rhythm of heart rate was evaluated by applying two different schedules of two- and three-hour periods for feeding with a single schedule of three hours for body contact during an observation period of seven days. A chi-square periodogram was used to calculate the period of ultradian rhythm. As a result, a three-hour ultradian rhythm of heart rates was detected in all subjects, which seems to correspond to either schedule of body contact or of feeding. However, no clear changes in the ultradia n rhythm of heart rate were observed corresponding to changes in feeding schedules. The ultradian rhythm of heart rate seems to correspond more to body contact than to feeding. |
