Acupressure and meridian massage: combined effects on increasing body weight in premature infants

Aims and objectives. The purpose of this study was to assess the body weight gain of combined acupressure and meridian massage in premature infants. Background. Each year in Taiwan, 8-10% of newborns are delivered prematurely. Effective postnatal care is essential to ensure the healthy development of premature infants. Massage therapy has been administered to facilitate weight gain in the neonatal unit. The evidence-based findings in previous studies did not include acupressure or meridian massage. Design. A double-blind clinical trial was conducted in a medical centre in central Taiwan. Methods. Forty subjects were randomised into two groups. The 20 subjects in the experimental group were given a standard procedure of acupressure at Zhongwan, Zusanli, Yongquan, abdominal rubbing, spleen and stomach meridian massage, and kneading the points along the spine of the bladder meridian. These treatments were administered for 15 minutes per session, one hour before meals, three times daily over 10 days. The control group, also consisting of 20 subjects, underwent routine care and was observed. The infants' body weights and the volume of milk ingested were measured and recorded daily. Results. The daily average weight gain of the infants in the experimental group was 32.7 g (SD = 8.1) compared with 27.3 g (SD = 7.7) in the control group. While in the first week there was no significant difference in weight gain between the two groups; in the second week, the weight gain observed in the experimental group was significantly higher than that observed in the control group. Conclusions. An experimental trial established the effects of using acupressure and meridian massage on increasing body weight in premature infants. Acupressure and meridian massage have a significant effect on weight gain in premature infants. Relevance to clinical pratice. Nurses could be trained in acupressure and meridian massage techniques to provide more effective level of clinical care for premature infants.