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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07388732

The Effect of Abdominal Massage on Jaundice and Defecation in Newborn Babies

Hyperbilirubinemia is a common condition in term newborns and is often treated with phototherapy. It is thought that abdominal massage may increase bowel movements, thereby increasing the frequency of defecation and supporting bilirubin excretion.

This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effect of abdominal massage, applied once or twice daily using the Vimala technique, on transcutaneous bilirubin levels and defecation frequency in hyperbilirubinemia-affected term newborns receiving phototherapy in the neonatal intensive care unit.

The study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit of a university hospital between February 29, 2020, and August 17, 2023. A total of 35 newborns meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into three groups. Group Massage-1 received 10 minutes of abdominal massage once daily before feeding for three days (n=12). Group Massage-2 received massage twice daily for the same duration (n=10). The control group received routine care (n=13).

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Key information

Conditions

Hyper Bilirubinemia Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Hyperbilirubinemia Hyperbilirubinemia, Neonatal Infant, Newborn, Diseases Jaundice Jaundice, Neonatal Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Phototherapy Signs and Symptoms Skin Manifestations

Age range

2 day–10 day

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Kütahya Health Sciences University

Kütahya, Province, 43000, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Term newborns (37-42 weeks gestation)
  • 2-10 days postpartum
  • Diagnosed with hyperbilirubinemia
  • Receiving phototherapy
  • Fully orally fed.

Exclusion criteria

  • Newborns with ABO incompatibility or Rh incompatibility.
  • Diagnosed with direct hyperbilirubinemia.
  • Genetic/metabolic diseases
  • Infections within 24 hours
  • With a need for fluid replacement
  • Having skin anomalies
  • Having abdominal disorders and surgery.

Treatment and study plan

Massage once a day for 3 days.

Other

The Vimala Massage Application, before massaging, hands were washed and lubricated. The massage began with a patting motion on the newborn's abdomen, followed by clockwise circular movements and semicircles. The massage was then performed in the shapes of an I, inverted L, and U along the abdomen. Finally, a walking movement was performed with the fingertips from the right to the left side of the abdomen. Each movement was repeated six times.

Massage twice a day for 3 days.

Other

The Vimala Massage Application, before massaging, hands were washed and lubricated. The massage began with a patting motion on the newborn's abdomen, followed by clockwise circular movements and semicircles. The massage was then performed in the shapes of an I, inverted L, and U along the abdomen. Finally, a walking movement was performed with the fingertips from the right to the left side of the abdomen. Each movement was repeated six times.

Primary outcomes

  1. A transcutaneous bilirubin levels

    Time frame: 6 hours after phototherapy

  2. Defecation

    Time frame: Diapers were changed a total of 8 times a day. Defecation outcome was assessed in 24-hour intervals for 3 days.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Kutahya Health Sciences University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Abdominal Massage Applied Once and Twice Daily in Phototherapy-Treated Term Newborns on Bilirubin Levels and Defecation: Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2020
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2025
First posted
Feb 5, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 5, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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