Effects of hydrotherapy and tactile-kinesthetic stimulation on weight gain of preterm infants admitted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Franciane R. dos Anjos, Adriane Muller Nakato, Paula Karina Hembecker, Percy Nohama, Ana Lúcia Figueiredo Sarquis
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.