Vignochi CM, Miura E, Canani LH
The objective of this research was to study the effect of physical therapy on bone mineralization, weight gain and growth in preterm infants. After fulfilling the inclusion criteria, preterm infants were matched for gestational age and birth weight and then randomly assigned to the physiotherapy group and control group. The PG received motor physical therapy for 15 min daily, 5 times per week until hospital discharge.
The results showed that physiotherapy in preterm infants produced greater gains in growth, body weight, bone mineral conrent, bone mineral density, bone area and lean mass.
Journal of Perinatology, 2008 Jul 17, online article ahead of press