Tactile/kinesthetic stimulation (TKS) increases tibial speed of sound and urinary osteocalcin (U-MidOC and unOC) in premature infants (29–32 weeks PMA)

Preterm delivery (< 37 weeks post-menstrual age) is associated with suboptimal bone mass. We hypothesized that tactile/kinesthetic stimulation (TKS), a form of infant massage that incorporates kinesthetic movement, would increase bone strength and markers of bone accretion in preterm infants. Preterm, AGA infants (29–32 weeks) were randomly assigned to TKS (N = 20) or Control (N = 20). Twice daily TKS was provided 6 days per week for 2 weeks. Control infants received the same care without TKS treatment. Treatment was masked to parents, health care providers, and study personnel. Baseline and week two measures were collected for tibial speed of sound (tSOS, m/sec), a surrogate for bone strength, by quantitative ultrasound (Sunlight8000) and urine markers of bone metabolism, pyridinium crosslinks and osteocalcin (U-MidOC and unOC). Infant characteristics at birth and study entry as well as energy/nutrient intake were similar between TKS and Control. TKS intervention attenuated the decrease in tSOS observed in Control infants (p < 0.05). Urinary pyridinium crosslinks decreased over time in both TKS and CTL (p < 0.005). TKS infants experienced greater increases in urinary osteocalcin (U-MidOC, p < 0.001 and unOC, p < 0.05). We conclude that TKS improves bone strength in premature infants by attenuating the decrease that normally follows preterm birth. Further, biomarkers of bone metabolism suggest a modification in bone turnover in TKS infants in favor of bone accretion. Taken together, we speculate that TKS improves bone mineralization.

► Mechanical Tactile Stimulation (MTS) administered to premature infants in the neonatal period improves bone strength assessed by tibial SOS.
► Biomarkers of bone metabolism suggest a modification in bone turnover in MTS infants in favor of bone accretion.
► Increased undercarboxylated osteocalcin in MTS may have metabolic implications.
► MTS positively affects postnatal bone growth and would provide a non-invasive means to enhance bone mineralization during early development.