Impact of Structured Massage Therapy on Physiological Stability, Comfort, Sleep, and Stress in Late Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of structured massage therapy on sleep quality, stress, comfort, and physiological parameters in late preterm infants. Methods: Forty late preterm infants (35–37 gestational weeks) were randomly allocated to a massage group (n=20) or a control group (n=20). The intervention group received a standardized 15-minute massage three times daily for three consecutive days. Data were collected using physiological monitoring, the Premature Infant Comfort Scale (PICS), the Neonatal Stress Scale (NSS), and actigraphy (SOMNOwatch™). This study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care units of Van Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, between September 2024 and September 2025, and was approved by the relevant institutional ethics committee in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Results: Massage therapy significantly improved physiological stability, demonstrated by lower heart rate and respiratory rate and higher oxygen saturation compared to controls (P