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Published on: January 7, 2020

Physical therapy reduces bone resorption and increases bone formation in preterm infants

Carine Moraes Vignochi1, Rita C Silveira, Ernani Miura

  • 1Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

American Journal of Perinatology
|July 10, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Physical therapy, including passive movements and gentle joint compressions, significantly improved bone metabolism in preterm infants. This intervention enhanced bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and reduced deoxypyridinoline levels, aiding bone quality.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Physical Therapy
  • Bone Metabolism

Background:

  • Metabolic bone disease is a concern in preterm infants.
  • Early intervention is crucial for bone health in premature neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of a physical therapy protocol on bone metabolism in preterm infants.
  • To compare bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) levels before and after intervention.

Main Methods:

  • Randomized controlled trial involving 30 preterm infants (gestational age ≤ 35 weeks).
  • Intervention group received daily passive movements with gentle joint compression for 5 days/week.
  • Bone markers (BAP, DPD) measured pre- and post-intervention; ANCOVA used for analysis.

Main Results:

  • The physiotherapy group showed a significant increase in BAP levels (22.44 U/L vs. 2.87 U/L, p=0.003).
  • The physiotherapy group experienced a significant reduction in DPD levels (28.21 nmol/mmol vs. 49.95 nmol/mmol, p<0.001).
  • Baseline characteristics were similar between the control and physiotherapy groups.

Conclusions:

  • Passive exercises with gentle joint compressions, alongside adequate nutrition, can improve bone quality in preterm infants.
  • This physical therapy approach is recommended for preventing and treating metabolic bone disease in premature neonates.
Abstract

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