Effects of Massage Therapy on Feeding Intolerance and Physical Growth in Premature Infants

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify effects of Massage therapy on feeding intolerance and physical growth in premature infants. METHODS: This study was conducted in the NICU of U university hospital, from June to December 2014. A quasi experimental design was used. A total of 60 premature infants were randomly assigned into two groups of 30 infants each. Infants of control group were given conventional treatment, while infants of experimental group given conventional treatment plus massage therapy. Massage therapy was performed for 15 minutes, 60 min before feeding, 3 times per day for 21 times over 7 days. The number of feedings withheld for feeding intolerance, number of gastric residuals, number of fecal excretions and physical growth variables (weight, height) were measured. RESULTS: After the intervention, number of fecal excretions and weight gain in the experimental group were significantly higher than that of the control group. Also, number of gastric residuals in the experimental group was lower than that of the control group. CONCLUSION: Massage therapy laid the basis for nursing intervention to promote feeding tolerance and physical growth in premature infants.