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Effects of Massage Therapy and Kinesitherapy to Develop Hospitalized Preterm Infant's Anthropometry: A
María José Álvarez1, Dolores Rodríguez-González2, María Rosón2
1Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Leon, Spain.
Insights
Parent-administered massage therapy and kinesitherapy significantly improved weight, size, and head circumference in hospitalized preterm infants. This cost-effective intervention benefits infant growth and reduces morbidity.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Developmental pediatrics
- Physical therapy
Background:
- Preterm infants face significant growth challenges.
- Anthropometric development is a key indicator of infant health.
- Parental involvement can enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of parent-applied massage therapy and kinesitherapy.
- To assess the impact on anthropometric development in hospitalized preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- A prospective quasi-experimental study design.
- Daily 15-minute sessions of massage therapy and kinesitherapy administered by parents.
- A control group received standard medical and nursing care.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in weight (p < 0.001).
- Significant improvements in body size (p < 0.001).
- Significant improvements in head circumference (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Massage therapy and kinesitherapy are beneficial for preterm infant anthropometric development.
- This intervention is cost-effective and easy to implement.
- Potential to reduce short, medium, and long-term growth-related morbidity.
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.