Medium-chain Triglyceride Oil Massage on Growth in Preterm

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Aim: To explore the effect of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil massage on growth in preterm infants. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the newborn center of a regional hospital in Taiwan. Preterm infants weighing between 1500 and 2000 g were recruited and randomly assigned to three groups: the MCT oil massage, massage alone and no massage groups. The massages were given three times per day for 7 consecutive days. Weight, length and head circumference were measured in the three groups at birth and on study days 1 to 7.

Official Title
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The Effect of Medium-chain Triglyceride Oil Massage on Physical Growth in Preterm Infants Weighing Between 1500 and 2000 g: a Prospective Randomized Trial

Conditions
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Growth, Preterm Infants, MCT Oil Massage

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: massage with MCT oil (group 1)


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: gestational age between 28 and 37 weeks; weight between 1500 and 2000 g after enrollment; medically stable condition; ≥120 cc per day feeding. Exclusion Criteria: congenital anomalies; skin disease; requirement for mechanical ventilation; requirement for O2 therapy; presence of fracture.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 28 Weeks
Maximum Age: 37 Weeks

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Health Services Research
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: the MCT oil massage<br>The neonates received massage with MCT oil. The 10-min massage intervention consisted of two 5-min phases: tactile and kinesthetic stimulation, which were given three times a day for 7 consecutive days. | Other: massage with MCT oil (group 1)<br>* Two trained nurse took turns performing standardized massage techniques in group 1 and group 2. The difference was that in group 1, the neonates received massage with MCT oil, and in group 2, the neonates received massage without using the oil. The 10-min massage intervention consisted of two 5-min phases: tactile and kinesthetic stimulation (13), which were given three times a day for 7 consecutive days. The massage force was approximately 300 grams, and the massager practiced applying the pressure by using a food scale. The massage was given in the prone and supine positions, and the actions included gentle touching of the head, back and limbs for five 1-min periods, followed by six passive flexion/extension movements lasting 10 s apiece for each arm, then each leg, and finally both legs together for a total of five 1-min periods. Premature infants in the oil massage group received massage with 10 mL/kg/day of MCT oil divided equally into three applications.<br>* Other names: massage without MCT oil (group 2);|
| Placebo Comparator: massage alone<br>The neonates received massage without MCT oil. The 10-min massage intervention consisted of two 5-min phases: tactile and kinesthetic stimulation, which were given three times a day for 7 consecutive days. | Other: massage with MCT oil (group 1)<br>* Two trained nurse took turns performing standardized massage techniques in group 1 and group 2. The difference was that in group 1, the neonates received massage with MCT oil, and in group 2, the neonates received massage without using the oil. The 10-min massage intervention consisted of two 5-min phases: tactile and kinesthetic stimulation (13), which were given three times a day for 7 consecutive days. The massage force was approximately 300 grams, and the massager practiced applying the pressure by using a food scale. The massage was given in the prone and supine positions, and the actions included gentle touching of the head, back and limbs for five 1-min periods, followed by six passive flexion/extension movements lasting 10 s apiece for each arm, then each leg, and finally both legs together for a total of five 1-min periods. Premature infants in the oil massage group received massage with 10 mL/kg/day of MCT oil divided equally into three applications.<br>* Other names: massage without MCT oil (group 2);|
| No Intervention: no massage groups<br>no intervention | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| weight | weight increase | on study days 1 to 7 | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| height and head circumference | height and head circumference increase | on study days 1 to 7 |