Studies from several labs have documented a 31 to 47% greater weight gain i
n preterm newborns receiving massage therapy (three 15-min sessions for 5-1
0 days) compared with standard medical treatment. Although the underlying m
echanism for this relationship between massage therapy and weight gain has
not yet been established, possibilities that have been explored in studies
with both humans and rats include (a) increased protein synthesis, (b) incr
eased vagal activity that releases food-absorption hormones like insulin an
d enhances gastric motility, and (c) decreased cortisol levels leading to i
ncreased oxytocin. In addition, functional magnetic resonance imaging studi
es are being conducted to assess the effects to touch therapy on brain deve
lopment. Further behavioral, physiological, and genetic research is needed
to understand these effects of massage therapy on growth and development.