Niemi Anna-Kaisa
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal & Developmental Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
Children (Basel). 2017 Apr 3;4(4):21. doi: 10.3390/children4040021.
Preterm birth affects about 10% of infants born in the United States. Massage therapy is being used in some neonatal intensive care units for its potential beneficial effects on preterm infants. This article reviews published randomized controlled trials on the effects of massage in preterm infants. Most studies evaluating the effect of massage in weight gain in premature infants suggest a positive effect on weight gain. Increase in vagal tone has been reported in infants who receive massage and has been suggested as a possible mechanism for improved weight gain. More studies are needed on the underlying mechanisms of the effects of massage therapy on weight gain in preterm infants. While some trials suggest improvements in developmental scores, decreased stress behavior, positive effects on immune system, improved pain tolerance and earlier discharge from the hospital, the number of such studies is small and further evidence is needed. Further studies, including randomized controlled trials, are needed on the effects of massage in preterm infants.
在美国,早产影响约10%的新生儿。由于按摩疗法对早产儿可能具有有益效果,一些新生儿重症监护病房正在使用这种疗法。本文综述了已发表的关于按摩对早产儿影响的随机对照试验。大多数评估按摩对早产儿体重增加影响的研究表明,按摩对体重增加有积极作用。据报道,接受按摩的婴儿迷走神经张力增加,这被认为是体重增加改善的一种可能机制。关于按摩疗法对早产儿体重增加影响的潜在机制,还需要更多研究。虽然一些试验表明发育评分有所改善、应激行为减少、对免疫系统有积极影响、疼痛耐受性提高以及更早出院,但此类研究数量较少,还需要进一步的证据。关于按摩对早产儿的影响,需要进行更多研究,包括随机对照试验。