Fisioterapia motora na prevenção e tratamento da osteopenia da prematuridade: uma revisão integrativa

Introduction: Each year, one in 10 babies are born premature worldwide and are susceptible to osteopenia of prematurity. Osteopenia of prematurity is characterized by alterations in skeletal mineralization due to deficient increase in bone mineral content. Objective: To review, in the current literature, randomized clinical trials on the effects of motor physical therapy in preterm infants in relation to the prevention and/or treatment of prematurity osteopenia, as well as to observe the most used techniques for this assistance. Materials and Methods: This is an integrative review of the literature including randomized clinical trials using motor physiotherapy as intervention techniques. We have searched the main databases (Pubmed, Cochrane Central, Lilacs and PEDro) for studies published from 2005 to 2016, using the descriptors: "premature", "bone mineralization", "physiotherapy", "osteopenia of prematurity" and its equivalents in Portuguese. Results: Seven studies were included and the techniques used were passive mobilizations in the joints of the upper and lower limbs, with soft articular compression and a protocol of tactile-kinesthetic stimulation. Conclusion: Although there are few randomized clinical trials, it was observed that motor physical therapy uses techniques that are effective in weight gain, growth, muscle mass and prevention of the imbalance between the formation and absorption of the bone matrix in premature infants, having an important role in the prevention and treatment of prematurity osteopenia.