Physical Therapy to Prevent Osteopenia in Preterm Infants

Overview

To determine whether reflex locomotion therapy is effective for the prevention of osteopenia in preterm infants and compare its effectiveness over other physiotherapeutic methods like passive joint mobilizations and massage

Premature infants have smaller and low bone mineralization compared with term infants bones, since 80% of calcium uptake occurs at the end of pregnancy. Passive Physiotherapy has been effective in the treatment of osteopenia. Active mobilizations implemented by the baby itself, may be more effective than passive, as they cause muscle contraction from the Central Nervous System (CNS). Reflex locomotion therapy (RLT), stimulates CNS causing muscle contraction so it may be effective in the treatment of osteopenia in premature. Objectives: To determine whether RLT is effective for the prevention of osteopenia in preterm infants and compare its effectiveness over other physiotherapeutic methods. Methodology: Our study is a multicentre randomized clinical trial, with 90 children less than 34 weeks of gestational age, divided into three treatment groups, one will receive RLT, another will be treated with passive joint mobilizations with articular pressure; and last one will be done massage techniques. The treatment will last for one month, for the three groups. We intend to measure changes in mineralization, bone formation, and bone resorption, and anthropometry.

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (3)

Outcomes