Original Article

Journal of Perinatology (2008) 28, 624–631; doi:10.1038/jp.2008.60; published online 17 July 2008

Effects of motor physical therapy on bone mineralization in premature infants: a randomized controlled study

C M Vignochi1, E Miura2 and L H Canani3

  1. 1Department of Physiotherapy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Graduate Studies in Universidade Luterana do Brasil, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
  2. 2Graduate Studies at the College of Medicine, Department of Neonatology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul and the Federal Foundation of Medical Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
  3. 3Bachelor's and Graduate Studies at the College of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Endocrinology Service, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil

Correspondence: Professor CM Vignochi, Department of physiotherapy, Graduate Studies in Medical Sciences: Pediatrics, UFRGS, Av Rubem Berta 1690, Sapucaia do Sul, RS 93218-350, Brazil. E-mail: carinemv@yahoo.com.br

Received 29 October 2007; Revised 24 March 2008; Accepted 14 April 2008; Published online 17 July 2008.

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Abstract

Objective:

 

To study the effect of physical therapy on bone mineralization, weight gain and growth in preterm infants.

Method:

 

After fulfilling the inclusion criteria, preterm infants were matched for gestational age and birth weight and then randomly assigned to the physiotherapy group (PG, n=15) and control group (CG, n=14). The PG received motor physical therapy for 15 min daily, 5 times per week until hospital discharge. Bone mineralization was measured by total body dual energy X-ray beam absorptiometry (DEXA) at the onset and end of the study. Statistical analysis was realized by ANCOVA and linear correlation tests.

Result:

 

The physical therapy group (PG) presented greater body weight gain per day (27.4plusminus2.4 vs 21.01plusminus4.4 g, P<0.001) and length (1.3plusminus0.3 vs 0.8plusminus0.2 cm week-1, P<0.001) than did the control group (CG). Body composition values verified by DEXA were greater for the PG. The mean gain in bone mineral content (BMC) (mg) was greater in the PG (434plusminus247.5 vs -8.9plusminus11.4, P<0.001), as was the mean bone mineral density (BMD) gain (mg cm-2) (8.4plusminus5.6 vs -3.1plusminus5.5, P<0.001). The gain in bone area (BA,cm2) was 10.3plusminus5 in the PG vs 1.5 plusminus2 in the CG (P<0.001). The gain in lean mass (LM) (g) in the PG was also greater than in the CG (271.1plusminus21.4 vs 109.1plusminus1.0, P<0.009). The fat mass (g) was similar between the groups (P=0.432).

Conclusion:

 

These results showed that physiotherapy in preterm infants produced greater gains in growth, body weight, BMC, BMD, BA and LM.

Keywords:

osteopenia, prematurity, physical therapy

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