To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Research Shows Clinical Benefits Of Massage For Infants And Children URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/42772.htm Doctor's Guide November 4, 1997
NEW ORLEANS, LA -- November 3, 1997 -- For the first time, the nation's pediatricians received a comprehensive look at research showing the health benefits of touch therapy, or massage. Clinical studies presented this week at a plenary session of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) annual meeting found touch therapy can help premature newborns gain weight faster, asthmatic children improve breathing function, diabetic children comply with treatment and sleepless babies fall asleep with less trouble. "Our research suggests that touch is as important to infants and children as eating and sleeping," said Tiffany Field, Ph.D., director of the Touch Research Institutes at the University of Miami School of Medicine (UMSM) and Nova Southeastern University, and professor in the department of pediatrics, psychology and psychiatry at UMSM. "Touch therapy triggers many physiological changes that help infants and children grow and develop. For example, massage can stimulate nerves in the brain which facilitate food absorption, resulting in faster weight gain. It also lowers levels of stress hormones, resulting in improved immune function." Touch therapy involves gentle stroking and kneading by a parent or caregiver on three regions of a child's body: the face, neck, head and shoulders; the arms and hands; and the back, legs and feet. It also can incorporate flexing and extension of the arms and legs. Pediatricians, obstetricians and other healthcare professionals can teach parents the simple techniques of touch therapy. "As pediatricians and parents, it's important that we recognize the advantages of touch therapy and use this basic, effective tool as part of pediatric care of diverse ailments," said Lawrence Schachner, M.D., professor, department of pediatrics and department of dermatology and cutaneous surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine. "Clinical research shows that touch therapy can benefit infants and children studied, including children with skin disorders such as eczema. It may furthermore improve parent-baby interaction." Researchers at the Touch Research Institutes have completed controlled clinical studies on a number of special populations of infants and children. Results include: