Can a belly rub help jaundiced babies?

NCT ID NCT07388732

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Kutahya Health Sciences University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at whether gentle abdominal massage, given once or twice a day, can help lower bilirubin levels in full-term newborns with jaundice who are already receiving phototherapy. The massage uses a specific technique called Vimala. The trial included 35 babies and measured bilirubin levels and how often they pooped. The idea is that massage might stimulate bowel movements, helping the body get rid of bilirubin faster.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: abdominal massage (Vimala technique)
What this could lead to: If effective, abdominal massage could be a simple, low-cost addition to phototherapy to help newborns with jaundice clear bilirubin faster.
What could go wrong: This is a very small trial (35 babies) and results may not apply to all newborns. The massage is an add-on to standard care, not a replacement.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hyperbilirubinemia Jaundice Jaundice, Neonatal

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HYPER BILIRUBINEMIA JAUNDICE, NEONATAL PHOTOTHERAPY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Kütahya Health Sciences University

Kütahya, Province, 43000, Turkey (Türkiye)

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