Effectss of Hydrotherapy in Buckets in Preterm Newborns in a Neonatal Unit Care

Objective: To examine the effects of hydrokinesiotherapy in a bucket on the quality of general movements (GMs) and clinical outcomes of hospitalized preterm newborns. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 34 preterm newborns with poor repertoire GMs were randomly assigned to an experimental group, which underwent 10-min bucket hydrokinesiotherapy followed by diaper change over 6 sessions on alternate days, or controls, who had diaper change only. Prechtl’s GM global categories at 36, 40-42 and 50-52 weeks postconceptional age and body weight gain were primary outcomes. Behavioral state, physiological parameters and respiratory distress during the protocol were secondary outcomes. Results: In both groups, most newborns had a poor repertoire at 36 and 40 weeks and had normal fidgety movements at 50-52 weeks. Both groups gained weight throughout the protocol. The experimental group became more alert compared to controls every day after the intervention. Physiological parameters presented transitory one-off differences between groups within normal ranges. Conclusion: Bucket hydrokinesiotherapy was safe as newborns remained clinically stable and without adverse outcomes. We recommend the protocol if the therapy goal is to increase alertness in the studied population, but it is not advantageous if the goal improves GM global quality and body weight gain.