A structured literature review analysing the evidence and clinical applicability of manual therapy as a treatment method for preterm infants
Item
- Title
- A structured literature review analysing the evidence and clinical applicability of manual therapy as a treatment method for preterm infants
- Author(s)
- Lewis, E
- Abstract
- Background Preterm delivery is a common and potentially dangerous complication of birth, occurring in around 11% of all pregnancies and is accountable for most neonatal deaths, as well as being responsible for many congenital neurological disabilities. Recent research suggested that further research investigating clinical effectiveness of manual therapies for the paediatric population is required to reach a more definitive conclusion, allowing parents to make more informed decisions regarding their infants wellbeing. Objective To conduct a structured literature review analysing the research surrounding manual therapy as a treatment method for preterm infants and assess implications of its use within a clinical setting, focusing on comparing various types of manual therapy and differences in reporting. Design Structured literature review. Methods A search was conducted using three online databases for research meeting the pre-set inclusion criteria for literature published in the last 18 years. 12 studies were included and tabulated, and the quality and consistency of evidence were assessed using the Downs and Black checklist and Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT). Results 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. 5 of the 10 RCT’s assessed using the Downs and Black checklist showed good quality evidence, with the remaining 5 indicating fair quality. The 2 studies assessed using SORT has good quality patient-oriented outcomes. Overall, there was a positive correlation between manual therapy effectiveness in relation to the outcome measured. Discussion The majority of the studies reported positive outcomes of manual therapy for the preterm population when compared to their baseline characteristics. Though, some methodological issues and heterogeneity were identified, making it difficult to adequately compare results. Conclusion Along with methodological issues, the low quantity of high quality studies restricts the ability to come to definitive conclusions surrounding the research question, thus highlighting the requirement for further, larger scale studies to be undertaken in future.
- presented at
- European School of Osteopathy
- Date Accepted
- 2020
- Date Submitted
- 28.10.2020 18:08:19
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 16673
- Inst-Identifier
- 1229
- Keywords
- Manual therapy; NICU; preterm infants; structured review
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Lewis, E, “A structured literature review analysing the evidence and clinical applicability of manual therapy as a treatment method for preterm infants”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed April 22, 2025, https://library.wso.at/s/orw/item/182