Effect of Massage on Increasing Growth Parameters and Inducing Sleep among Premature Neonates

Abstract

Massage therapy can be used in neonatal intensive care units for premature infants <37 weeks of gestation, which increase growth parameters with no harmful effects and help inducing sleep. Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of massage on increasing growth parameters and inducing sleep among premature neonates. Subjects and method: A quasi-experimental research design was used on a purposive sample of 50 LBW premature neonates and their mothers who were admitted to NICU at Sohag University Hospital, Egypt, from August 2019, until January 2020. Premature neonates were randomly assigned into two groups with and without massage. Tools: Tool (I): A structured questionnaire was developed and consisted of two parts: part (1): Demographic characteristics of mothers of premature neonates, part (2): Demographic characteristics of premature neonates, Tool (II): Assessment of growth parameters, and Tool (III): Assessment of sleep behaviors before the intervention, after seven days and after one month of discharge. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the mean of weight, length, and head circumference in the two groups before massage intervention. The majority of premature neonates in the intervention group had increased their growth parameters after seven days from the application of massage and after one month of discharge compared to those in the control group. Conclusion: massage was an effective and safe non-medical intervention used in improving growth parameters and sleeps behaviors and help premature neonates fall asleep faster after the massage than without massage. Recommendations: Massage should be involved in routine care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), as standard care for premature neonates, health educational programs about massage and its effect should be taught to health care professional, especially pediatric nurses.