Effects of Massage Therapy and Kinesitherapy to Develop Hospitalized Preterm Infant's Anthropometry: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of massage therapy and kinesitherapy on the anthropometric development of hospitalized preterm infants applied by parents.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A prospective quasi-experimental study was designed. Hospitalized preterm infants received a daily 15-minute session of massage therapy and kinesitherapy. The control group received regular medical and nursing care.

RESULTS

The massage therapy and kinesitherapy protocol significantly improved the anthropometric parameters studied: weight (895.7 ± 547.9 vs 541.8 ± 536.2; p < 0.001) size (5.5 ± 4.3 vs. 3.0 ± 3.1; p < 0.001) and head circumference (4.2 ± 3.2 vs 2.4 ± 2.6; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of a massage therapy and kinesitherapy protocol is beneficial for the anthropometric development of hospitalized preterm infants.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

An easy to administer and cost-effective intervention such as massage therapy and kinesitherapy can improve the anthropometric development of preterm infants and reduce growth-related morbidity in the short, medium, and long term.