Effects of massage therapy and presence of attendant on pain, anxiety and satisfaction during labor.
Study Goal
To investigate the effects of massage and presenting an attendant on pain, anxiety, and satisfaction during labor as an alternative complementary strategy.
Results Summary
Massage reduced pain in the second and third phases of labor compared to the attendant group, while the attendant group had lower anxiety in those phases. Satisfaction was higher in the massage group across all phases compared to both the attendant and control groups.
Population
120 primiparous women with term pregnancy.
Effective Dosage
Firm and rhythmic massage during labor in three phases, with evaluations after 30 minutes of massage at each stage.
Duration
Duration of active phase was lower in the massage group (specific length not detailed).
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
massage | decrease | pain | primiparous women with term pregnancy | - | had lower pain state | #1 |
massage | decrease | anxiety | primiparous women with term pregnancy | - | had lower anxiety state | #2 |
massage | increase | satisfaction | primiparous women with term pregnancy | - | satisfaction was higher | #3 |
presenting an attendant | decrease | anxiety | primiparous women with term pregnancy | - | level of anxiety was lower | #4 |
presenting an attendant | increase | satisfaction | primiparous women with term pregnancy | - | higher satisfaction | #5 |
massage | decrease | duration of active phase | primiparous women with term pregnancy | - | duration of active phase was lower | #6 |
PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of massage and presenting an attendant on pain, anxiety and satisfaction during labor to clarify some aspects of using an alternative complementary strategy. METHODS: 120 primiparous women with term pregnancy were divided into massage, attendant and control groups randomly. Massage group received firm and rhythmic massage during labor in three phases. After 30 min massage at each stage, pain, anxiety and satisfaction levels were evaluated. Self-reported present pain intensity scale was used to measure the labor pain. Anxiety and satisfaction were measured with the standard visual analog scale. RESULTS: Massage group had lower pain state in second and third phases (p < 0.05) in comparison with attendant group but reversely, the level of anxiety was lower in attendant group in second and third phases (p < 0.05) and satisfaction was higher in massage group in all four phases (p < 0.001). The massage group had lower pain and anxiety state in three phases in comparison with control group (p < 0.05). Data analysis of satisfaction level showed higher values in four phases in massage group compared with control (p < 0.001) and comparison of attendant and control groups showed higher satisfaction in attendant group in phases 2, 3 and 4 as well (p < 0.001). Duration of active phase was lower in massage group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that massage is an effective alternative intervention, decreasing pain and anxiety during labor and increasing the level of satisfaction. Also, the supportive role of presenting an attendant can positively influence the level of anxiety and satisfaction.