Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Potential of Massage Therapy in Cerebral Palsy Using Animal Models
Published on: August 11, 2023
The effects of massage therapy on physical growth and gastrointestinal function in premature infants: A pilot study
HyeJeong Choi1, Shin-Jeong Kim2, Jina Oh3
1Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea.
Insights
Massage therapy significantly improved physical growth and gastrointestinal function in premature infants. This developmental care approach enhanced height, chest circumference, and bowel movements while reducing gastric residuals in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Developmental pediatrics
- Infant physiology
Background:
- Premature infants require specialized care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) for optimal growth and development.
- Effective and gentle interventions are crucial for supporting vulnerable premature infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of massage therapy on physical growth in premature infants.
- To assess the effects of massage therapy on gastrointestinal function in premature infants.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 20 premature infants in a South Korean NICU, divided into an experimental massage group (n=10) and a control group (n=10).
- Massage therapy was administered twice daily for 15 minutes over 14 days to the experimental group, while the control group received routine care.
Main Results:
- The experimental group showed significant increases in height and chest circumference.
- Pre-feed gastric residual frequency decreased, and bowel movement frequency increased significantly in the massage therapy group.
Conclusions:
- Massage therapy demonstrates potential benefits for enhancing physical growth and gastrointestinal function in premature infants.
- NICU-based massage therapy can be considered a component of developmental care, warranting further research and specialized training for nurses.
Abstract:
To promote the growth and development of premature infants, effective and tender care is required in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The purpose of this study was to test the potential effects of massage therapy on increasing physical growth and promoting gastrointestinal function in premature infants. Twenty subjects were divided into two groups in the NICU of one general hospital located in South Korea. The experimental group (n = 10) were given massage therapy and the control group (n = 10) received routine care. Massage therapy was performed twice daily for 14 days, for 15 minutes per session. In the physical growth, height and chest circumference were significantly increased in the experimental group. In assessing gastrointestinal function, frequency of pre-feed gastric residual was significantly decreased and numbers of bowel movements were significantly increased in the experimental group. This study showed massage therapy has the potential effects on increasing physical growth and gastrointestinal function in premature infants. The massage in the NICU might be utilized as a part of developmental care, but more research needs to be done. NICU nurses need to be trained in massage therapy techniques to provide more effective clinical care for premature infants.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
01:23Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota