Background and Aim: Massage can produce sense of security, enhanced physical growth, improved circulation and function of nervous system. It also can decrease sleep disorders and behavior disturbances. This study investigated the effect of massage on intra ventricular hemorrhage in premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad, Iran.

Material and Methods: In this random clinical trial 60 stable preterm newborns were divided into intervention (n=30) and control (n=30) groups. The intervention group performed passive massage movements for three short periods (each period= fifteen minutes) in 3 consecutive hours for 5 days. The intervention and control groups were compared with each other in regard to the incidence of intra ventricular hemorrhage. Our tools for data collection included forms for sample selection and demographic characteristics, check lists to record data and pulse oximetry device. Using SPSS.16 software, data were analyzed by independent t-test, chi square test and odds ratio.

Results: In our study experimental group showed a lower incidence rate of intra ventricular hemorrhage in comparison to the control group (P= 0.058); however, it was not statically significant.

Conclusion: According to the results of this study massage along with other methods can be an effective method for reducing the incidence of intra ventricular hemorrhage in stable premature infants.

Keywords: Preterm infant, Massage therapy, Intra ventricular hemorrhage.

Received: May 06, 2015      Accepted: Jan 04, 2016