Effect of deep massage on increasing body weight in low birth weight infants

Low birth weight (LBW) infants need complementary interventions (e.g. deep massage) to promote their growth and development. The present study was done to determine the effect of deep massage on weight gain in LBW infants. This clinical trial study was carried out on LBW infants (No=70) in NICU wards of Isfahan province using convenient sampling method during a 6-month period. All participants were divided into two groups randomly (27 in each group). The group receiving deep massage intervention was compared to the control group receiving only routine care. The criteria included in this study were: birth weight <2500g, age<18days, breast-feeding and the Iranian race. The exclusion criteria were: history of congenital diseases, NPO/TPN, respiratory distress, sepsis and, blood exchange during study, mother addiction and lack of adherence to study. The data were collected through observations, interviews and measurements using weight specific scales. All measurements were taken before and after completion of the study with the same equipment and by the same person double-blinded. Each infant in the treatment group received deep massage of three 15-minute periods for 10 days. Paired t-test and unpaired t-test were applied to analyze the data. Weight gain in the intervention group (mean=210.92g) was significantly (P=0.006) higher than that in the control group (mean=81.11). As deep massage enhances weight gain in LBW infants, it is recommended to be considered as a complementary intervention to promote their growth and development.