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The Effect of Daily Exercise Program on Bone Mineral Density and Cortisol Level in Preterm Infants with Very Low

Yağmur Sezer Efe1, Emine Erdem1, Tamer Güneş2

  • 1Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.

Journal of Pediatric Nursing
|July 10, 2019
PubMed

Insights

A daily exercise program positively impacts bone mineral density and cortisol levels in very low birth weight preterm infants. Neonatal nurses can integrate this exercise regimen into clinical practice for improved infant outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal care
  • Pediatric exercise physiology
  • Bone metabolism

Background:

  • Preterm infants, especially those with very low birth weight (VLBW), are at risk for suboptimal bone development and elevated stress hormone levels.
  • Early interventions are crucial for improving outcomes in this vulnerable population.
  • Bone mineral density and cortisol levels are key indicators of infant health and development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of a daily exercise program on bone mineral density and serum cortisol levels in VLBW preterm infants.
  • To assess the impact of exercise on anthropometric measurements in this cohort.
  • To provide evidence for the integration of exercise interventions in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled double-blinded study involving 24 VLBW preterm infants in a tertiary hospital NICU.
  • Participants were matched for birth weight, gestational week, and gender.
  • An exercise group received a daily 7-10 minute exercise program for 30 days, with a control group receiving standard care.
  • Evaluations included anthropometric measurements, tibia speed of sound (SOS) for bone mineral density, and serum cortisol levels before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

  • The exercise group showed a significant increase in bone SOS values (p=0.009) and a decrease in serum cortisol levels (p=0.05).
  • Percentage increases in anthropometric measurements were higher in the exercise group compared to the control group.
  • The observed changes in bone SOS and cortisol levels in the exercise group were statistically significant.

Conclusions:

  • A daily exercise program demonstrates a positive effect on bone mineral density (measured by SOS) and serum cortisol levels in preterm infants.
  • The findings support the implementation of this exercise program by neonatal nurses in clinical practice.
  • This intervention may contribute to improved bone health and stress regulation in VLBW preterm infants.
Abstract

Keywords:
Bone mineral densityCortisolExerciseNeonatal nursingPreterm infants with VLBW

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