Effect of prolonged oil massage on growth velocity in LBW infants: Comparison of Coconut oil vs Sunflower seed oil vs No oil: Randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION : Massaging infants is an ancient art and traditional practice in several parts of India. Various types of oils have been used depending on regional variability. Evidence exists supporting the benefits of touch and massage therapy. Massage has several positive effects in terms of weight gain, better sleep weight pattern and enhanced neuromotor development. Most consistent benefit associated with massage therapy is weight gain. Studies have shown improved skin barrier function, reduced rates of nosocomial infection, duration of hospital stay and mortality in hospitalized babies.There are no studies on extended home based massage therapy in babies. We wanted to study the effects of massage therapy which was extended for a duration of 3 months on anthropometric parameters, readmissions and mortality. There is evidence supporting positive effects of massage therapy by mothers on babies. In our study mothers were trained to give massage therapy in hospital. This was continued as a home based therapy following discharge for a duration of 3 months. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : RESEARCH QUESTION: Does massage for 3 months with coconut oil in neonates weighing 750-2000 gms cause more weight gain compared to sunflower oil and no oil? OUTCOME VARIABLE: PRIMARY OUTCOME - To study the effect of massage with coconut oil vs sunflower oil vs control with no oil on weight gain in SGA and AGA neonates weighing 750 gms-2000 gms. SECONDARY OUTCOME - length gain, head circumference gain, incidence of sepsis after enrolment, duration of hospital stay and readmissions JUSTIFICATION : Several studies have proved the effect of massage therapy on weight gain. But still the research gap exists on which oil to recommend or whether massage therapy alone without oil can effect any change. This study is an attempt at bridging this gap. CONCLUSION : There was no significant difference in weight gain between Massage therapy using oil and Massage therapy using no oil. Tactile kinaesthetic stimulation seems to play the key role in weight gain in LBW babies than the oil used. Between sunflower seed oil and coconut oil there was no significant difference in weight gain between the groups. Tactile kinaesthetic stimulation in Massage therapy has the potential of causing weight gain in LBW babies. Extended Massage therapy is a home based cost effective strategy which can help in survival of LBW babies