Objective: To investigate the effect of tuina on promoting neurodevelopment of premature infants with brain injury. Methods: A total of 82 cases who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into an intervention group and a control group. In addition to early conventional intervention (Chinese medicinal bath therapy and physical training), specific tuina manipulations (aims to unblock the Governor Vessel, refresh the brain, benefit the kidney and strengthen the spleen) were combined in the intervention group, whereas comforting touch in the control group. The rehabilitation assessments were then made prior to treatment and three months after the treatment using Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II (BSID-II) and Gesell Developmental Schedules (GDS) based Developmental Quotient (DQ). Results: The DQ in all GDS areas and scores of GMFM A and B dimensions were significantly increased in both groups after the treatment (P<0. 01). The DQ and population mean of GMFM B dimension in the intervention group were higher than those in the control group, showing statistical differences (P<0. 05). However, in terms of Mental Development Index (MDI) and Physical Development Index (PDI) in both groups, there were no statistical differences before and after treatments. Conclusion: Both methods combined with conventional early intervention can help to improve the mental and motor development of infants with brain injury. However, the specific tuina manipulations have been proved more effective in improving the infants' gross motor function, particularly the "sitting" item. © 2013 Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.