Studies of Stroking/Massage Combined
With Kinesthetic or Vestibular Stimulation
Studies that examine the combined effects of stroking
with kinesthetic (passive movement or range of motion)
or vestibular (rocking) stimulation have generally included
infants who were physiologically stable at the time of
the intervention. Results from these studies have suggested
that such combined intervention programs have positive
long-term outcomes, including increased daily weight
gain, increased secretion of urinary epinephrine or norepinephrine,
increased levels of alertness, and more optimal
scores on the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment43
examination.