The neonates received massage with MCT oil. The 10-min massage intervention consisted of two 5-min phases: tactile and kinesthetic stimulation, which were given three times a day for 7 consecutive days.

The neonates received massage without MCT oil. The 10-min massage intervention consisted of two 5-min phases: tactile and kinesthetic stimulation, which were given three times a day for 7 consecutive days.

no intervention

Two trained nurse took turns performing standardized massage techniques in group 1 and group 2. The difference was that in group 1, the neonates received massage with MCT oil, and in group 2, the neonates received massage without using the oil. The 10-min massage intervention consisted of two 5-min phases: tactile and kinesthetic stimulation (13), which were given three times a day for 7 consecutive days. The massage force was approximately 300 grams, and the massager practiced applying the pressure by using a food scale. The massage was given in the prone and supine positions, and the actions included gentle touching of the head, back and limbs for five 1-min periods, followed by six passive flexion/extension movements lasting 10 s apiece for each arm, then each leg, and finally both legs together for a total of five 1-min periods. Premature infants in the oil massage group received massage with 10 mL/kg/day of MCT oil divided equally into three applications.

weight increase

height and head circumference increase