The use of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in preterm infants has been documented and results from previous studies suggest the association between OMT and length of stay (LOS) reduction, as well as significant improvement in several clinical outcomes. The aim of the present study is to show the effect of OMT on LOS in a sample of premature infants.

Inclusion Criteria:

• preterm infants born at age between 29 and 37 weeks
• osteopathic treatment performed < 14 days after birth
• preterms born in the same hospital

Exclusion Criteria:

• gestational age < 29, > 37 weeks;
• osteopathic treatment performed > 14 days after birth;
• newborn transferred to/from other hospital;
• newborn from to HIV seropositive and/or drug addict mother;
• newborn with genetic disorders, congenital abnormalities, cardiovascular abnormalities, neurological disorders, proven or suspected necrotizing enterocolitis with or without gastrointestinal perforation, proven or suspected abdominal obstruction, pre- and/or post-surgery patients, pneumoperitoneum and/or atelectasis.