Weight increase in premature infants receiving kangaroo mother care, vimala massage, or both: randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction: The increase in premature birth and delayed intrauterine growth lead to a high incidence of low birth weight. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and Vimala massage have been shown to improve weight gain.

Objective: To compare weight gain and length of hospital stay in premature newborns (NBs) receiving Vimala massage, Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) or both.

Material and Methods: Randomized blinded clinical trial, clinically stable preterm infants of 30 to 35 weeks of gestation, tolerating the entire enteral route, with a father capable of providing the intervention were included. The NBs were randomized into three groups: KMC (22), Massage (22), or mixed KMC and Vimala Massage (20). They were compared with 21 historical controls who did not receive any of the interventions (Control Group). Weight gain over 10 days was compared using repeated measures ANOVA.

Results: We analyzed 85 NBs, the weight gain was 311.34g (SD 65) with KMC, 288.18 g (SD 74) with Massage and 315.42 g (SD 70) in the Mixed Group (F 1.1, Power 0.16, p 0.50). Weight gain was greater in the intervention groups (mean 205.48g, SD 82, F 9.78, power 0.98, p < 0.001). The hospital stay was 11, 10.2,12.1 and 21.5 days after the start of the study, for the KMC, Massage, Mixed and Control groups respectively (p = 0.007 by Kruskal Wallis).

Conclusions: KMC and Vimala massage facilitate growth in premature newborns and decrease the length of hospital stay. When a KMC program is not available, the Vimala massage can be a good alternative.