The Effects of Massage on the Process of Physical Growth among Low-Weight Neonates

Abstract

Background: Every year, about 19 percent of neonates in the world are born with the complication of low weight which results in mortality during neonatal period and later. One way to help the low-weight neonates to grow is to massage them during the first months after birth. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of massaging by mothers on the process of growth among low-weight neonates in postpartum wards of the hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Methods: This study was performed on 48 neonates (25 in the intervention group and 23 in the control group). The mothers in the intervention group were trained to massage their neonates with sesame oil. The massaging started on the third day after birth and continued for four weeks. It was performed15 minutes each day at home. Findings: The results of this research showed that the mean of weight gain in low-weight neonates in the intervention group was 217 grams more than that in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). In addition, the mean increase in the height in the intervention group was 0.7 centimeters more than that in the control group during 4 weeks. This difference was also statistically significant (P < 0.002). Conclusion: Massaging is effective on the growth process of neonates. It increases weight and height among the low-weight neonates.

Keywords

• Massage
• Physical growth
• Neonate