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Clinical Practice Protocol of Creative Music Therapy for Preterm Infants and Their Parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
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
Summary
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.
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