Sound and vibration: effects on infants' heart rate and heart rate variability during neonatal transport

Aim: To measure the effect of sound and whole‐body vibration on infants’ heart rate and heart rate variability during ground and air ambulance transport. Methods: Sixteen infants were transported by air ambulance with ground ambulance transport to and from the airports. Whole‐body vibration and sound levels were recorded and heart parameters were obtained by ECG signal. Results: Sound and whole‐body vibration levels exceeded the recommended limits. Mean whole‐body vibration and sound levels were 0.19 m/s² and 73 dBA, respectively. Higher whole‐body vibration was associated with a lower heart rate (p < 0.05), and higher sound level was linked to a higher heart rate (p = 0.05). The heart rate variability was significantly higher at the end of the transport than at the beginning (p < 0.01). Poorer physiological status was associated with lower heart rate variability (p < 0.001) and a lower heart rate (p < 0.01). Infants wearing earmuffs had a lower heart rate (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Sound and whole‐body vibration during neonatal transport exceed recommended levels for adults, and sound seem to have a more stressful effect on the infant than vibrations. Infants should wear earmuffs during neonatal transport because of the stress‐reducing effect.