Insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 increased in preterm neonates following massage therapy.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To determine if massage therapy increased serum insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in preterm neonates.

Study design

Forty-two preterm neonates who averaged 34.6 weeks (M = 29.5 wk gestational age; M birth weight = 1237 g) and were in the "grower" (step-down) nursery were randomly assigned to a massage therapy group (body stroking and passive limb movements for three, 15-minute periods per day for 5 days) or a control group that received the standard nursery care without massage therapy. On Days 1 and 5, the serum collected by clinical heelsticks was also assayed for insulin and IGF-1, and weight gain and kilocalories consumed were recorded daily.

Results

Despite similar formula intake, the massaged preterm neonates showed greater increases dur

SUBMITTER: Field T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2663361 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature