Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the application of MEIR (Massage, Exercises, Intelligence training, and Rehabilitation training) in Chinese VLBW infants and to observe its effects on infants’ growth and development. Methods: Clinical data of 92 VLBW infants who were treated at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Loudi Central Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were grouped as the MEIR group (n=47) and controls (n=45). Physical and neurodevelopment development were compared between the two groups. Results: There were differences in height and weight and head circumference between the two groups at all corrected ages (all P<0.05). Abnormal motions, reflexes, muscular tension, audio-visual reactions, and posture, and the total numbers of abnormalities of 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-corrected month-old infants in the MEIR group were lower than in the control group (all P<0.05). The mental development index and psychomotor development index of 6- and 12- corrected month infants in the MEIR group were higher than in the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: MEIR could improve the physical and neurological developments of VLBW infants, reduce the incidence of adverse events, and improve their growth and development.