A Study on the Clinical Effect of Chiropractic Combined with Acupoint Therapy in Preventing Feeding Intolerance in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Objective: To explore the effect of chiropractic combined with acupoint therapy in preventing feeding intolerance in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI). Methods: A total of 98 VLBWI admitted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) from July 2022 to February 2023 were randomly divided into the control group (n=49) and the experimental group (n=49). The control group received conventional Western medical treatment and care, while the experimental group were given chiropractic combined with acupoint therapy. The incidence of feeding intolerance, complications, duration of full oral feeding, meconium evacuation time, length of hospital stay, and weight gain werecompared between the two groups. Results: The incidence of the feeding intolerance and associated complications in the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). The duration of full oral feeding, meconium evacuation time, hospital stay in the experimental group were significantly shorter than those of the control group (all P<0.05).The weight gain in the experimental group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Chiropractic combined with acupoint therapy can effectively prevent feeding intolerance and its associated complications, expedite the transition to full oral feeding, promote meconium evacuation, reduce hospital stay, and enhance the growth and development of VLBWI.