The effects of massage and white noise on physiological parameters of preterm infants: A randomized controlled research

Abstract

PurposeThe present research was conducted to find out the effects of massage and white noise on physiological parameters in preterm infants. Material-methodWhile each preterm infant in the massage group was given massage by the researcher in the morning and evening for three days, the infants in the white noise group listened to white noise in the morning and evening for three days. Standard nursing care was provided for three days in the control group. Physiological parameters of the preterm infants in all of the groups on the first, second and third days were recorded by the researcher before the procedure. Following the interventions to preterm infants by the researcher, peak heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation data were recorded. ResultsSignificant difference was found between the first, second and third day peak heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation values of the preterm infants in the massage and white noise group when compared with the control group. No significant difference was found between the white noise and massage group. In the temporal analysis of the massage and white noise group, a decrease was found in peak heart rate and respiratory rate, while an increase was found in oxygen saturation values. ConclusionMassage and white noise were found to be effective on physiological parameters of preterm infants. It was found that in the neonatal intensive care unit, nurses can prefer massage or white noise methods in healing physiological parameters of preterm infants.