The Effects of Massage on Oxygen Saturation of Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome Treated with Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of massage on oxygen saturation of infants with respiratory distress syndrome (tactile and kinesthetic stimulation). These infants have immature systems to cooperate with stressors. Massage is one of the best-known methods of supplemental care and there is no adequate evidence to support the claim that infants with complex medical conditions how response to massage.

Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental study with before and after design that conducted on 45 preterm infants who were admitted in neonatal intensive care unit. The subjects received massage 15 min per day for five days by using Field massage technique. Respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and heart rate were measured 5 min before and after massage. The data were analyzed using a mixed model.

Results: There were no significant differences between before and after massage on oxygen saturation (P=0.13), but respiratory (P=0.004) and heart rates (P=0.03) were reduced after massage.

Conclusion: Massage therapy can provide developmental care for infants treated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP). These results could help health care professionals to provide efficient support, as well as perform the appropriate massage of preterm infants.