Preterm infant massage therapy studies: An American approach

Abstract

Preterm infants have been noted to benefit from massage therapy. Following massage therapy protocols using moderate pressure preterm infants have gained 31-49% more weight on average. Some studies have also shown length and head circumference growth and bone mineral density increases associated with massage therapy. These studies are reviewed in this paper along with discussion of potential underlying mechanisms. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.