
Effect of Massage Therapy on Serum Bilirubin Reduction and Hospital Stay Duration in Neonatal Jaundice: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Sina Shahshenas 1, Mohammad Javad Arabzade 2, Peymaneh Alizadeh Taheri 3, Hajieh Borna 4, Masood Soltanipur 5, Shiva Rafati 4 ©, Mahdi Isakhani 1 ℗
Abstract
Introduction: Neonatal jaundice frequently affects a significant number of newborns and is typically treated using phototherapy. Massage, a traditional technique practiced in many cultures, might help increase bilirubin elimination and lower its levels. This study seeks to determine if massage therapy can speed up the decrease of bilirubin and shorten the duration of hospital stay for jaundiced neonates. Methods and Materials: This randomized clinical trial investigated the impact of massage therapy on total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels, weight, body temperature, and length of hospital stay in 50 healthy full-term neonates treated with phototherapy for jaundice at Bahrami Hospital in Tehran during 2023. Data on neonates’ demographics (including age, sex, weight, and delivery method) were recorded. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: an intervention group that received phototherapy combined with 15-minute massage sessions twice daily for three days, and a control group that underwent phototherapy alone. The massage protocol was based on the gentle techniques recommended by the International Association of Infant Massage. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software. Results: Massage therapy led to a significant reduction in TSB levels on the first day (14.15 ± 2.47 mg/dL vs. 16.23 ± 2.55 mg/dL, p = 0.005), the second day (10.26 ± 1.88 mg/dL vs. 13.30 ± 2.77 mg/dL, p 0.001), and the third day (6.87 ± 1.33 mg/dL vs. 10 ± 2.32 mg/dL, p 0.001) compared to the control group. Moreover, neonates in the massage group experienced a significantly shorter hospital stay (3.64 ± 0.56 days vs. 4.40 ± 0.70 days, p 0.001). On day three, the massage group also showed a lower average body temperature and an increased frequency of bowel movements relative to the control group (p = 0.040 and p 0.001, respectively). Conclusion and Discussion: Massage therapy, when combined with phototherapy, serves as an effective complementary treatment for jaundice in full-term neonates and may help shorten their hospital stay.
Keywords: Massage therapy; Phototherapy; Neonate; Jaundice