The effect of massage,wipe bathing and tub bathing on physiological measurements of late premature newborns: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThe aim of this randomized experimental study is to analyze the effect of massage, wipe bathing and tub bathing on physiological measurements of late premature newborns.Designand Methods: This randomized experimental study was conducted on 192 newborns at the gestational week of 34 or higher in the neonatal intensive care unit of a university hospital. The researchers applied massage (n: 48), tub bathing (n: 48), and wipe bathing (n: 48) to the newborns. The control group (n: 48) received no intervention except for the routine clinical practices. The newborns' physiological measurements before, immediately after and 30 min after the interventions were taken and recorded on the “Newborn Follow-up Form.” The newborns’ physiological measurements were assessed by independent evaluators who were blinded to the purpose of the study at different phases across the massage, wipe bathing and tub bathing protocols. The statistical analysis was performed using percentages, means, repeated analysis, variance analysis, Bonferroni analysis.ResultsNo difference was found in the massage, wipe bathing, tub bathing and control groups' mean physiological measurements (pulse, respiration, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, body temperature) (p > 0.05).