Potential of Massage Therapy for Improved Growth and Development Among Infants Under 9 Months: A Systematic Scoping Review of Intervention Type, Technique, and Outcome

Massage Therapy for Infant Development: A Promising Non-Invasive Intervention Backed by Research

Massage therapy is emerging as more than a soothing touch that may play a critical role in optimizing infant growth and development. A systematic scoping review conducted by a multidisciplinary research team, led by Windy Rakhmawati, S.Kp.,M.Kep., Ph.D., from the Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran, and supported by collaborators from the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Dentistry, the Faculty of Economic and Business and Polytechnic HealthMinistry of Health, Tasikmalaya , reviewed 11 clinical trials from the last decade.

Findings suggest that infants under 9 months receiving massage therapy showed improvements in weight, length, motor coordination, and even social and language development. Techniques studied ranged from oil-based massages to therapy conducted by mothers, with durations from 5 to 45 minutes.

This study contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting early-life interventions that are affordable, culturally adaptable, and impactful, especially for vulnerable infants, such as those born prematurely or with special conditions.

🔗 Read the full article: https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S475731