Assessing the effects of abdominal massage on feeding tolerance in preterm infants

Impact Assessment of Abdominal Massage on the Feeding Tolerance of Preterms (Less Than 34 Weeks of Amenorrhea) : a Randomized, Single-blind Controlled Trial

NA · University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand · NCT06351202

This study is testing if giving daily abdominal massages to preterm infants in the hospital can help them tolerate feeding better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages3 Days to 60 Days
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand (other)
Locations1 site (Clermont-Ferrand)
Trial IDNCT06351202 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the impact of abdominal massage on feeding tolerance in preterm infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units. The study involves a single-blind, randomized controlled design where infants with feeding intolerance will be divided into two groups: one receiving daily abdominal massages from trained physiotherapists and the other not receiving any massages. The effectiveness of the intervention will be assessed using a newly developed Clinical Assessment Scale for Abdominal state of Preterm infants (ECAP). The goal is to determine if abdominal massage can improve digestive function and reduce complications associated with feeding intolerance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are preterm infants born before 34 weeks of amenorrhea who are experiencing feeding intolerance.

Not a fit: Patients with congenital pathologies, severe hemodynamic instability, or contraindications to abdominal massage will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance feeding tolerance in preterm infants, potentially reducing hospitalization time and the risk of severe complications.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, previous studies have shown promising results with similar physiotherapy techniques in improving outcomes for preterm infants.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Newborn, premature, less than 34 Weeks of Amennorhea
* at least 3 days of life
* hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units
* with feeding intolerance demonstrated by an ECAP (Clinical Abdominal Assessement scale for preterms) score equal to or greater than 4/20
* whose holders of parental authority are able to give free and informed consent to participate in this study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* premature newborns with a congenital pathology such as malformation, genetic or chromosomal abnormality
* newborns whose holders of parental authority are protected by law (under guardianship, curatorship, placed under judicial safeguard) or aged under 18
* rejection of participation by parents
* newborns with a contraindication to abdominal massage (fever, major hemodynamic instability)

Where this trial is running

Clermont-Ferrand

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Preterm Birth Complication, Digestive System Disease, physiotherapy, abdominal massage

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.