Effect of Infant Massage Oil on Jundiced Neonate Undergoing Phototherapy

Abstract

Infant massage is a natural way for caregivers to improve health, sleep patterns, and reduce colic. Massage therapy is one of the oldest touch therapies, and it has been used for many conditions. We have systematically reviewed article on infant massage oil aimed to evaluate its effects on neonates with jaundice who are receiving phototherapy. Study design was randomized controlled trial which was conducted on 80 full term neonates with physiological jaundice in the hospital, sample were randomized into two groups (control and study group). Massage was given twice a day, the study group showed significantly higher defecation frequency (p = 0.03) and significantly lower bilirubin levels (p = 0.008) compared with the control group. No significant differences related to feeding amount or body weight were observed between the two groups. Neonatal massage could help to reduce bilirubin levels and increase defecation frequency in neonates receiving phototherapy for jaundice. Massage with oil is an inexpensive, simple, and effective intervention which improved neonatal health status in selected samples. Further studies are needed to evaluate the serious adverse effects, if any, to notify health care staff.