Some evidence suggests that physical activity programs might promote short-term weight gain and bone mineralization in preterm infants .
Current evidence does not support the routine use of physical activity programs in preterm infants .
BACKGROUND Lack of physical stimulation may contribute to metabolic bone disease of preterm infants , result ing in poor bone mineralization and growth .
Physical activity programs combined with adequate nutrition might help to promote bone mineralization and growth .
OBJECTIVES The primary objective was to assess whether physical activity programs in preterm infants  improve bone mineralization and growth and reduce the risk of fracture .
Subgroup analysis : • Given that the smallest infants are most vulnerable for developing osteopenia ( Bishop 1999 ) , a subgroup analysis was planned for infants with birth weight < 1000 g.•  Calcium and phosphorus intake may affect an infant 's ability to increase bone mineral content ( Kuschel 2004 ) .
Massage with kinesthetic stimulation improves weight gain in preterm infants
Objective : The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of massage with or without kinesthetic stimulation on weight gain and length of hospital stay in the preterm infant . Study Design : A prospect i ve r and omized clinical trial was conducted evaluating the effects of massage with or without kinesthetic stimulation ( KS ) on weight gain and length of stay ( LOS ) in medically stable premature ( < 1500 g and /or ⩽32 weeks gestational age ) neonates . Infants were r and omized either to receive no intervention ( control ) , massage therapy alone ( massage ) , or massage therapy with KS ( M/KS ) . Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate differences in the primary outcomes between the groups after controlling for covariates . Post hoc analysis with stratification by birthweight ( BW > and < 1000 g ) was also performed . Result : A total of 60 premature infants were recruited for this study ; 20 infants in each group . Average daily weight gain and LOS were similar between the groups after controlling for covariates . For infants with BW>1000 g , average daily weight gain was increased in the intervention groups compared to control . This effect was mainly attributable to the M/KS group . Conclusion : Massage with KS is a relatively simple and inexpensive intervention that can improve weight gain in selected preterm infants . Length of hospital stay is not impacted by massage with or without KS . Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of massage in the extremely low BW(<1000 g ) infant
Some evidence suggests that physical activity programs might promote short-term weight gain and bone mineralization in preterm infants .
Current evidence does not support the routine use of physical activity programs in preterm infants .
BACKGROUND Lack of physical stimulation may contribute to metabolic bone disease of preterm infants , result ing in poor bone mineralization and growth .
Physical activity programs combined with adequate nutrition might help to promote bone mineralization and growth .
OBJECTIVES The primary objective was to assess whether physical activity programs in preterm infants  improve bone mineralization and growth and reduce the risk of fracture .
Subgroup analysis : • Given that the smallest infants are most vulnerable for developing osteopenia ( Bishop 1999 ) , a subgroup analysis was planned for infants with birth weight < 1000 g.•  Calcium and phosphorus intake may affect an infant 's ability to increase bone mineral content ( Kuschel 2004 ) .