Original Article

Journal of Perinatology (2009) 29, 352–357; doi:10.1038/jp.2008.230; published online 15 January 2009

Massage with kinesthetic stimulation improves weight gain in preterm infants

A N Massaro1,2, T A Hammad3, B Jazzo2 and H Aly1,2

  1. 1Department of Neonatology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
  2. 2Newborn Services, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
  3. 3Department Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington DC, USA

Correspondence: Dr AN Massaro, Department of Neonatology, Children's National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20010, USA. E-mail: anguyenm@cnmc.org

Received 30 June 2008; Revised 27 October 2008; Accepted 8 December 2008; Published online 15 January 2009.

Top

Abstract

Objective:

 

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of massage with or without kinesthetic stimulation on weight gain and length of hospital stay in the preterm infant.

Study Design:

 

A prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted evaluating the effects of massage with or without kinesthetic stimulation (KS) on weight gain and length of stay (LOS) in medically stable premature (<1500 g and/or less than or equal to32 weeks gestational age) neonates. Infants were randomized either to receive no intervention (control), massage therapy alone (massage), or massage therapy with KS (M/KS). Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate differences in the primary outcomes between the groups after controlling for covariates. Post hoc analysis with stratification by birthweight (BW> and <1000 g) was also performed.

Result:

 

A total of 60 premature infants were recruited for this study; 20 infants in each group. Average daily weight gain and LOS were similar between the groups after controlling for covariates. For infants with BW>1000 g, average daily weight gain was increased in the intervention groups compared to control. This effect was mainly attributable to the M/KS group.

Conclusion:

 

Massage with KS is a relatively simple and inexpensive intervention that can improve weight gain in selected preterm infants. Length of hospital stay is not impacted by massage with or without KS. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of massage in the extremely low BW(<1000 g) infant.

Keywords:

preterm infants, very low birthweight, massage, kinesthetic stimulation, exercise

Extra navigation

.

naturejobs

More science jobs
Post a job for free
ADVERTISEMENT