Massage stimulates growth in preterm infants: A replication

Massage with kinesthetic stimulation improves weight gain in preterm infants

“…Infants receiving M/KS do not consume or retain more calories than controls, as ours and previous studies have shown similar caloric intake patterns between the groups. 2,3,6,7 Similarly, M/KS infants do not appear to conserve more calories by spending more time in the sleep state, because studies have actually shown increased arousal in massaged infants compared to controls. 2,3 Thus, it remains that the increase in weight gain is most likely related to hormonal alterations or changes in basal metabolic function.…”

“…2,3,6,7 Similarly, M/KS infants do not appear to conserve more calories by spending more time in the sleep state, because studies have actually shown increased arousal in massaged infants compared to controls. 2,3 Thus, it remains that the increase in weight gain is most likely related to hormonal alterations or changes in basal metabolic function. Increased activity levels have been associated with improved weight gain in both animal and human models.…”

“…Preliminary studies have suggested that massage therapy with KS may have positive effects on preterm infants including greater weight gain, [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] improved bone mineralization, 8 earlier hospital discharge, [1][2][3] and more optimal behavioral and motor responses 2-4,9,10 compared to controls. However, there is inconsistency of these findings across studies and methodological concerns with previous trials have led some authors to caution widespread and routine use of preterm infant massage.…”

The development of potentially better practices to support the neurodevelopment of infants in the NICU

“…182,183 Gentle human touch is perceived as a simpler, less arousing and more easily implemented form of human touch, and may be tolerated by smaller preterm infants, 184 although selective use of infant massage does appear safe. 185 Massage in preterm infants has shown significant [186][187][188][189][190][191][192] or trends toward 193,194 improved weight gain, and decreased length of stay. 187,192 Weight gain may be mediated by increased nutritional intake 195 and/or through increased vagal activity and gastric motility.…”

“…185 Massage in preterm infants has shown significant [186][187][188][189][190][191][192] or trends toward 193,194 improved weight gain, and decreased length of stay. 187,192 Weight gain may be mediated by increased nutritional intake 195 and/or through increased vagal activity and gastric motility. 196,197 These infants also demonstrated increased heart rate, improved autonomic stability, 198 and increased range and regulation of behavioral states 186,190,199,200 with decreased stress behaviors.…”