Stable Preterm Infants Gain More Weight and Sleep Less after Five Days of Massage Therapy

Dieter, John N.I.; Field, Tiffany; Hernandez‐Reif, Maria; Emory, Eugene K.; Redzepi, Mercedes

doi:10.1093/jpepsy/jsg030

Cited by 134 publications

(116 citation statements)

References 46 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…The increased weight gain shown by the moderate pressure massage group is consistent with increased weight gain in many studies on both preterm infants Dieter, Field, Hernandez-Reif, Emory & Redzepi, 2003;Field et al, 1986) and full-term infants (Field, Hernandez-Reif, Diego, Feijo, Vera & Gil 2004;Goldstein-Ferber, 2004;Moyer-Mileur, Brunstetter, McNaught, Gill & Chan, 2000).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 62%

Moderate versus light pressure massage therapy leads to greater weight gain in preterm infants

Field

Diego

Hernandez‐Reif

et al. 2006

Infant Behavior and Development

120

104

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Sixty-eight preterm infants (M GA=3Owks.) were randomly assigned to a moderate or to a light pressure massage therapy group to receive 15 massages 3 times per day for 5 days. Behavior state, stress behaviors and heart rate were recorded for 15 minutes before and during the first 15-minute therapy session. Weight gain was recorded over the 5 day therapy period. The moderate versus light pressure massage group gained significantly more weight per day. During the behavior observations the moderate versus light pressure massage group showed significantly lower increases from the presession to the session recording on: 1) active sleep; 2) fussing; 3) crying; 4) movement; and 5) stress behavior (hiccupping). They also showed a smaller decrease in deep sleep, a greater decrease in heart rate and a greater increase in vagal tone. Thus, the moderate pressure massage therapy group appeared to be more relaxed and less aroused than the light pressure massage group which may have contributed to the greater weight gain of the moderate pressure massage therapy group.

show abstract

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 62%

Moderate versus light pressure massage therapy leads to greater weight gain in preterm infants

Field

Diego

Hernandez‐Reif

et al. 2006

Infant Behavior and Development

120

104

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Infants receiving M/KS do not consume or retain more calories than controls, as ours and previous studies have shown similar caloric intake patterns between the groups. 2,3,6,7 Similarly, M/KS infants do not appear to conserve more calories by spending more time in the sleep state, because studies have actually shown increased arousal in massaged infants compared to controls. 2,3 Thus, it remains that the increase in weight gain is most likely related to hormonal alterations or changes in basal metabolic function.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Preliminary studies have suggested that massage therapy with KS may have positive effects on preterm infants including greater weight gain, [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] improved bone mineralization, 8 earlier hospital discharge, [1][2][3] and more optimal behavioral and motor responses 2-4,9,10 compared to controls. However, there is inconsistency of these findings across studies and methodological concerns with previous trials have led some authors to caution widespread and routine use of preterm infant massage.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Massage with kinesthetic stimulation improves weight gain in preterm infants

et al. 2009

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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 p32 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.

show abstract

“…182,183 Gentle human touch is perceived as a simpler, less arousing and more easily implemented form of human touch, and may be tolerated by smaller preterm infants, 184 although selective use of infant massage does appear safe. 185 Massage in preterm infants has shown significant [186][187][188][189][190][191][192] or trends toward 193,194 improved weight gain, and decreased length of stay. 187,192 Weight gain may be mediated by increased nutritional intake 195 and/or through increased vagal activity and gastric motility.…”

Section: Role Of Sleep In Brain Developmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…202 Massage has been associated with a shift from less total sleep, towards more periods of drowsiness 188 and post-massage sleep may be increased. 193 The use of gentle touch has been associated with lower levels of AS, motor activity and behavioral distress, but no differences were seen in weight gain or behavioral organization.…”

Section: Role Of Sleep In Brain Developmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

The development of potentially better practices to support the neurodevelopment of infants in the NICU

et al. 2007

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objective: To review the existing evidence used to identify potentially better care practices that support newborn brain development.Study Design: Literature review.Result: Sixteen potentially better practices are identified and grouped into two operational clinical bundles based upon timing for recommended implementation. Conclusion:Existing evidence supports the implementation of selected care practices that potentially may support newborn brain development.

show abstract

Stable Preterm Infants Gain More Weight and Sleep Less after Five Days of Massage Therapy

Abstract: Healthy, low-risk preterm infants gained more weight and slept less with just 5 days of massage, in contrast to 10 days in previous studies. Results support the continued use of massage as a cost-effective therapy for medically stable preterm infants.

Cited by 134 publications

References 46 publications

Moderate versus light pressure massage therapy leads to greater weight gain in preterm infants

Moderate versus light pressure massage therapy leads to greater weight gain in preterm infants

Massage with kinesthetic stimulation improves weight gain in preterm infants

The development of potentially better practices to support the neurodevelopment of infants in the NICU

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About