Effect of Massage on Physiological Parameters of Premature Infants under Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure through Nasal (NCPAP) in Al –Zahra Hospital, Tabriz, 2010.

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Nowadays particular emphasis is placed on the developmental care of preterm infants. Massage therapy is one of the best –known method of caring. Because of the "minimal touch" policy on the NICU infant massage is not usually performed premature infants. However, there is insufficient research evidence to support the claim that "newborn infants with complex medical conditions should not be massaged". The present study aims to determine the Effect of massage on physiological parameters of premature infants under Nasal continuous positive airway pressure through nasal (NCPAP) in Tabriz Al –Zahra hospital. Methods: This was a Randomized Controlled trial in 1389 on 90, 28-32 weeks gestation preterm infants, which were under NCPAP treatment in NICU ward in Tabriz Al-Zahra hospital. Infants were randomly divided into control and massage therapy groups (massage with coconut and sunflower oil). A 15-minutes daily massage was performed for three days. Data was gathered by using (hospital) documentation form. RR, HR, BP. T. and SatO2 were measured 5 minutes before the massage, three times during the massage and 5 minutes after it and data was analyzed using SPSS 17, mixed model. Results: Mixed model showed that within the total of three days the mean RR of sunflower oil massage group, coconut oil massage group and the control group were, respectively, 50.41, 52.43, 56.71, HR respectively, 137.6, 143.28, 137.52, BPM respectively 53.8, 51.22, 50.91, T respectively, 36.82, 36.77, 36.69, and O2 saturation respectively, 97.54, 96.73, 97.09. After three days there were significant differences (with regard to all variables) across the groups (p<0.05). Massage of infants treats treated with NCPAP can lead to decrease in RR as well as a little increase HR, BPM, T, and O2 saturation but there were normal range. Conclusion: Massage therapy can provide safe developmental care for infants treated with NCPAP.