ReviewPreterm infant massage therapy research: A review
Section snippets
Massage therapy studies
Randomized, controlled studies have documented greater weight gain in preterm newborns receiving moderate pressure massage therapy (see Field et al., 2004, Vickers et al., 2004 for reviews). These include our studies on preterm newborns who received 5–10 days of massage therapy and showed a 21–48% greater increase in weight gain and hospital stays of 3–6 days less than control infants (Diego et al., 2005, Dieter et al., 2003, Field et al., 1986, Scafidi et al., 1990, Wheeden et al., 1993) (see
Exercise studies
Greater weight gain has also been observed in preterm infants receiving passive limb movements. This exercise, which is a form of stimulation similar to the kinesthetic component of our massage protocol, involves flexing and extending the limbs (Eliakim et al., 2002, Moyer-Mileur et al., 2000, Nemet et al., 2002). The weight gain in these studies was less than in the massage therapy studies (0–38%). However, the exercise sessions in these studies were shorter than the typical 15 min massage
Research on ways of delivering massage therapy/exercise
Other research in the area of preterm infant massage therapy has focused on the delivery of massage therapy protocols. This research includes studies on mothers or parents as the therapists, on the use of oils to enhance the therapy effects and on hospital cost savings.
Potential underlying mechanisms for the effects of massage therapy
Some potential underlying mechanisms have been examined for the effects of massage therapy on preterm infant weight gain. Increased calorie consumption and/or greater calorie conservation was first explored as a potential mediator of the effects of massage therapy on weight gain. However, findings across our studies consistently showed that preterm infants receiving massage therapy did not consume more calories (Diego et al., 2005, Dieter et al., 2003, Field et al., 1986, Scafidi et al., 1990,
Moderate pressure is critical
Moderate pressure may be an essential component of the infant massage, as a recent study by our group revealed that preterm infants who received moderate pressure stroking gained significantly more weight (26% more) than infants who received light pressure stroking (Diego et al., 2005) (see Table 1). Similarly, static, light pressure touch does not result in greater weight gain as reported by others including the Cochrane Review based on the compilation of several data bases (Harrison et al.,
Summary
In this paper, preterm infant massage therapy studies are reviewed. Massage therapy has led to weight gain in preterm infants when moderate pressure massage was provided. In studies on passive movement of the limbs, preterm infants also gained significantly more weight, and their bone density also increased. Research on ways of delivering the massage is also explored including using mothers versus therapists and the added effects of using oils. The use of mothers as therapists was effective in
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the mothers and infants who participated in our studies which were supported by NIH Senior Research Scientist Awards (# MH 00331 and # AT 01585) and an NIMH Merit Award (MH # 46586) to Tiffany Field and funding from Johnson and Johnson Pediatric Institute.
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