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  • Title: Massage therapy by mothers and trained professionals enhances weight gain in preterm infants.
    Author: Ferber SG, Kuint J, Weller A, Feldman R, Dollberg S, Arbel E, Kohelet D.
    Journal: Early Hum Dev; 2002 Apr; 67(1-2):37-45. PubMed ID: 11893434.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: The method of "massage therapy" has consistently shown increased weight gain in preterm infants. The weight gain was apparent during massages administered by professionals. AIMS: To replicate the results of increased weight gain in the course of "massage therapy" in preterm infants, and utilize a new, cost-effective application of this method by comparing maternal to nonmaternal administration of the therapy. STUDY DESIGN: Random cluster design. SUBJECTS: The study comprised 57 healthy, preterm infants assigned to three groups: two treatment groups--one in which the mothers performed the massage, and the other in which a professional female figure unrelated to the infant administered the treatment. Both these groups were compared to a control group. RESULTS: Over the 10-day study period, the two treatment groups gained significantly more weight compared to the control group (291.3 and 311.3 vs. 225.5 g, respectively). Calorie intake/kg did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers are able to achieve the same effect size as that of trained professionals, allowing cost-effective application of the treatment within the neonatal intensive care unit.
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