Effect of oil massage on growth and neurobehavior in very low birth weight preterm neonates.

OBJECTIVE To study the effect of oil massage on growth and neurobehavior in preterm babies less than 1500 g. DESIGN Randomized Controlled Trial. SETTING Tertiary level neonatal unit of a teaching hospital. SUBJECTS Neonates with birth weight <1500 grams, gestation >37 weeks, receiving enteral feeds of at least 100 mL/kg/day and less than 10 days of age. OUTCOME VARIABLES Primary-Weight gain 28 days after enrolment. Secondary-Neonatal neurobehavior, change in other anthropometry and serum triglycerides. METHODS Eligible neonates were randomized to one of the three groups (a) massage with oil (b) massage without oil and (c) no massage. Weight, length, head circumference and triceps skin fold thickness were measured in the three groups at regular intervals. Serum triglyceride levels were measured at enrolment and at completion. Neurobehavior using Brazeltons Neonatal Behavior Assessment Scale (NBAS) was assessed at enrolment and after 10 days of intervention. RESULTS Weight gain in the oil massage group (365.8 +/- 165.2g) was higher compared to the only massage group (290.0 +/- 150.2g) and no massage group (285.0 +/- 170.4g). This difference and the difference in other anthropometric parameters was not statistically significant. Serum triglycerides and neonatal neurobehavior were comparable in the three groups. CONCLUSION Oil application may have a potential to improve weight gain among preterm very low birth weight neonates.