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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2022 Mar-Apr;98(2):155-160.
doi: 10.1016/j.jped.2021.04.011. Epub 2021 Jun 25.

Effects of hydrotherapy and tactile-kinesthetic stimulation on weight gain of preterm infants admitted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Franciane R Dos Anjos  1 , Adriane M Nakato  2 , Paula Karina Hembecker  2 , Percy Nohama  2 , Ana Lúcia F Sarquis  3
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of hydrotherapy and tactile-kinesthetic stimulation on weight gain of preterm infants admitted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Franciane R Dos Anjos et al. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2022 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of hydrotherapy and tactile-kinesthetic stimulation on the birth weight of preterm infants admitted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Method: It was a randomized controlled trial, without blinding, in which 44 preterm infants of both sexes with gestational age between 32 and 34 weeks were included into two groups: hydrotherapy group (n = = 22) and tactile-kinesthetic stimulation group (n = 22). Weight gain was the parameter assessed daily.

Results: In the tactile-kinesthetic stimulation group there was a variation in weight gain, but without significant difference (p = 0,43). However, in the hydrotherapy group, it was observed that increased weight gain started from the 2nd day (p < 0,001).

Conclusions: Hydrotherapy group presented significantly increased weight after the interventions, indicating that this technique can interfere with weight gain in preterm infants.

Keywords: Hydrotherapy; Massage; Neonatal intensive care unit; Preterm infant; Weight.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig 1
Figure 1
Flowchart of the sample. TKSG, tactile-kinesthetic stimulation group; HTG, hydrotherapy group; HH, heart rate; RR, respiratory rate; SpO2, peripheral oxygen saturation; ºC, Celsius degrees.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Distribution of weight gain rates between the assessment times according to the study groups. Note: Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA, Mann–Whitney post-hoc test - comparison between groups: D2-D1: p = 0.22; D3-D2: p = 0.41; D4-D3: p = 0.78; D5-D4: p = 0.34; D6-D5 = 0.21 Friedman's ANOVA: GETC: p = 0.43; GH: p < 0.001.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Distribution of mean values of newborns' diets according to study groups. Note: ANOVA for repeated measures: comparison between groups - At birth: p = 0.89; D1: p = 0.77; D2: p = 0.84; D3: p = 0.79; D4: p = 0.92; D5: p = 0.62. Comparison between measurements in the same group: TKSG - D1 to D6: p < 0.001; HG: D1 to D6: p < 0.001.
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