Purpose
The purpose of this study was to identify effects of Massage therapy on feeding intolerance and physical growth in premature infants.
Methods
This study was conducted in the NICU of U university hospital, from June to December 2014. A quasi experimental design was used. A total of 60 premature infants were randomly assigned into two groups of 30 infants each. Infants of control group were given conventional treatment, while infants of experimental group given conventional treatment plus massage therapy. Massage therapy was performed for 15 minutes, 60 minutes before feeding, 3 times per day for 21 times over 7 days. The number of feedings withheld for feeding intolerance, number of gastric residuals, number of fecal excretions and physical growth variables (weight, height) were measured.
Results
After the intervention, number of fecal excretions and weight gain in the experimental group were significantly higher than that of the control group. Also, number of gastric residuals in the experimental group was lower than that of the control group.
Conclusion
Massage therapy laid the basis for nursing intervention to promote feeding tolerance and physical growth in premature infants.

Citations

• Effects of massage therapy alone or together with passive mobilisations on weight gain and length of hospitalisation in preterm infants: Systematic review and meta-analysis
  Sara Mollà-Casanova, Núria Sempere-Rubio, Elena Muñoz-Gómez, Marta Aguilar-Rodríguez, Pilar Serra-Añó, Marta Inglés
  Early Human Development.2023; 182: 105790.     CrossRef
• The Usefulness of the Evaluation of Gastric Residuals in Premature Infants
  Kyung Min Lee, Su Jung Choi
  Journal of Korean Critical Care Nursing.2019; 12(3): 74.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to develop a feeding protocol for premature infants and to evaluate the effects of protocol.
METHODS
The feeding protocol was developed through a literature review and discussions of an expert group. The developed feeding protocol was tested with 85 preterm infants in one neonatal intensive care unit in B city. A non-equivalent control group non-synchronized design was used. Data were collected from January 1 to April 30, 2013 for the control group and from June 1 to September 30, 2013 for the experimental group. The experimental group (n=38) received the feeding protocol, whereas the control group (n=47) had routine feeding care. Collected data were analyzed by t-test and -test using SPSS/WIN version 18.0.
RESULTS
First feeding time (t=2.22, p=.029) and full enteral feeding time (t=2.28, p=.026) were significantly decreased in the experimental group compared to the control group. There was no difference in incidence of complications (p>.05). Also no significant differences in weight reduction rate between the two groups were observed at the 7th postnatal day (t=-1.23, p=.222).
CONCLUSION
The results indicate that the feeding protocol for preterm infants is effective in decreasing first feeding time and full enteral feeding time.

Citations

• A study on the correlation between upper airway diseases and urinary heavy metals concentration in household residents
  Jihee Choi, Yujin Oh, Yunjae Kim, Munseob Ahn, Ji Young Im, Chung Soo Lee, Heejin Park, Moo-Kyun Park, Bu-Soon Son
  Journal of Odor and Indoor Environment.2018; 17(1): 78.     CrossRef
• Analysis of Studies on High-Risk Infants and Quality Assessment of Intervention Studies
  Hyejung Lee, Anna Kim, Anna Maeng, Gayeong Kim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2016; 22(2): 153.     CrossRef
• Effects of Massage Therapy on Feeding Intolerance and Physical Growth in Premature Infants
  Hyun Young Seo, Young Hae Kim, Sung-Ju Kim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2016; 22(4): 355.     CrossRef