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 ) .
Physical therapy reduces bone resorption and increases bone formation in preterm infants.
AIM To evaluate bone metabolism in newborn preterm infants before and after a physical therapy protocol . METHOD This r and omized controlled clinical trial included 30 newborn preterm infants with gestational age ≤ 35 weeks and appropriate weight for gestational age , who were r and omized into control group ( CG ) and physiotherapy group ( PG ) . The PG protocol consisted of 15 minutes of daily passive movements with gentle joint compression 5 days a week . Daily data were obtained on feeding and body weight . Measurements of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase ( BAP ) and urinary deoxypyridinoline ( DPD ) were collected before and after intervention in both groups . The analysis of covariance test was performed to compare the means of both groups . RESULTS At baseline , gestational age and corrected gestational age , birth weight , and gender were similar between both groups . Nutrient supply , length of total parenteral nutrition , and mechanical ventilation were also similar . BAP level increase in PG was 22.44 ± 3.49 U/L , whereas in CG was 2.87 ± 3.99 U/L ( p = 0.003 ) . There was a reduction of DPD levels in PG of 28.21 ± 11.05 nmol/mmol , and an increase of 49.95 ± 11.05 nmol/mmol ( p < 0.001 ) in GC . CONCLUSION The benefits of prevention and treatment of metabolic bone disease of prematurity , in addition to an adequate diet , should include these passive exercises with gentle joint compressions to improve the quality of premature infant 's bones
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 ) .