EXPLORING THE USE OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS FOR BABY MASSAGE THERAPY: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Infant massage is a traditional practice that enhances bonding between caregivers and infants, supports growth and development, and alleviates common discomforts. Mobile health (mHealth) applications have emerged as accessible platforms for health education, yet their use in delivering infant massage therapy is underexplored.

Aims: This scoping review aims to examine the existing literature on mobile applications designed for infant massage therapy, evaluate their features and effectiveness, and identify gaps for future research.

Methods: Following Arksey and O’Malley's framework and adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Studies published in English from January 2013 to October 2024 that focused on infant massage therapy delivered or supported through mobile applications were included. Two reviewers independently performed data extraction and quality assessment using validated tools appropriate for each study design.

Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs, mixed-methods research, and cross-sectional surveys. The mobile applications evaluated—BabyCare, InfantTouch, TouchGrow, MassageConnect, and SoothingHands—demonstrated significant positive outcomes. These included improved infant sleep patterns (p < 0.05), increased weight gain, reduced colic episodes, enhanced caregiver knowledge (p < 0.01), and higher parental confidence. User satisfaction rates were high, ranging from 85% to 92%.

Conclusion: Mobile applications for infant massage therapy show promising potential in enhancing infant health outcomes and caregiver competence. Future research should focus on long-term user engagement strategies, cultural adaptability, and the integration of peer support features to maximize impact.