Massage for hospitalized neonates

April 18, 2017   |   Evidence in Integrative Healthcare

A recent NCBI systematic review of studies that assess therapeutic massage with preterm neonates showed a clear benefit which should encourage the practice of massage on this patient population. There were a total of 23 articles meeting inclusion criteria. Of note, benefits included: increased vagal activity, increased gastric activity, better neurodevelopment, a positive effect on brain development and reduced risk of neonatal sepsis. In addition, hospital stay and neonatal stress were reduced.