Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether massage therapy can be used as an adjunct intervention to induce sleep in infants born preterm. Methods: Thirty infants born at a minimum of 28 weeks gestational age, who were at the time of the study between 32 and 48 weeks adjusted gestational age, were randomly assigned to receive massage therapy on 1 day and not receive massage on an alternate day. The Motionlogger Micro Sleep Watch Actigraph recorded lower extremity activity on the morning of each day. Results: No significant difference was found between groups for sleep efficiency (P =.13) during the time period evaluated. Groups differed significantly during the time period after the massage ended with more infants sleeping on the nonmassage day (χ2 = 4.9802, P =.026). Conclusions: Massage is well tolerated in infants born preterm and infants do not fall asleep faster after massage than without massage.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 405-410 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Pediatric Physical Therapy |
Volume | 26 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 1 2014 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Infants
- Massage
- Preterm
- Sleep
- Therapeutic use
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation