Effect of abdominal massage applied to premature babies on intestinal functions and vital signs

Aim: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of abdominal massage on intestinal functions and vital signs in premature babies. Material and Method: The research was conducted using a randomized parallel-controlled experimental design. The study was conducted on 66 premature infants born at 28-37 weeks gestation (33 in the control group and 33 in the study group) who were hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units of İnönü University Turgut Özal Medical Center between March and May 2025. Data were collected using the Neonatal Follow-up Form, the Neonatal Follow-up Schedule, and the Vital Signs Follow-up Form. Abdominal massage was applied to the premature infants in the study group by the researcher for 15 minutes twice a day (morning and evening) for 5 days. Data were collected from the study group before and 45 minutes after the abdominal massage, twice a day (morning and evening) for 5 days. Measurements were taken from the control group, who received routine care by nurses, without any procedure. Chi Square, Fisher's Reality Test, Mann Whitney U test, Independent-Dependent t Test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test were used in the analysis of the data. Results: In the premature infants in the study group, defecation frequency was found to increase significantly over time (p<0.05), while abdominal circumference measurements were found to decrease significantly (p<0.05). In the premature infants in the study group, heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were found to stabilize significantly over time, and oxygen saturation was found to increase significantly (p<0.05). Conclusion: Abdominal massage has been found to be effective in regulating bowel function, vital signs, and oxygen saturation in premature infants. Therefore, training in abdominal massage should be provided to nurses and parents working in neonatal intensive care units.. Key Words: Abdominal Massage, Intestinal Functions, Premature Baby, Vital Signs, Oxygen Saturation