Extremity Strengthening Exercise on Neonates Receiving Phototherapy

Abstract

Neonatal jaundice is a clinical condition found in infants, which is characterized by yellow staining of the skin and sclera due to the accumulation of unconjugated bilirubin excess. This is the leading cause of death in 60%-80% of newborns. This research aimed to investigate the effects of an extremity strengthening exercise on neonates, who were receiving phototherapy in terms of defecation frequency, vital signs, enteral feeding and body weight. In this quasi experimental study, 34 aterm neonates with jaundice, who had been admitted for phototherapy, were selected through quota sampling. Subjects were assigned to either an exercise or a control group. The neonates in the exercise group received a passive extremities exercise for 15 to 20 minutes on their extremities twice a day for 3 days, while the neonates in the control group did not receive the exercise. Statistical analysis was performed using an independent t test and the Mann Whitney test. Demographic and clinical characteristics, the defecation frequency, vital signs, total feeding amount and body weight were identified and compared between the two groups.On the third day, the exercise group showed a significantly higher defecation frequency (p=0.000) and a significant increase in their respiration rate (p=0.029); however, there was no significant increase in their vital signs (heart rate p=0.583 and temperature p=0.807;) enteral feeding rate (p=0.202) and body weight (p=0.181). It can be concluded that the extremity strengthening exercise can increase the defecation frequency in neonates with jaundice who are receiving phototherapy. The amount of exercise carried out was limited in order to stabilise body temperature and heart rate.