Effects of low back massage on perceived birth pain and satisfaction.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effect of low back massage on perceived birth pain and delivery outcomes during labor.
Results Summary
The study found that low back massage significantly reduced labor pain (as measured by VAS scores) and increased satisfaction with birth compared to the control group. The massage group also had a shorter mean duration of the second stage of labor, though this difference was not statistically significant.
Population
62 pregnant women (31 in the massage group, 31 in the control group) during the intrapartum period.
Effective Dosage
Massage was applied at three phases during labor (cervical dilatation of 3-4 cm, 5-7 cm, and 8-10 cm).
Duration
The intervention was administered during the intrapartum period, corresponding to the three phases of cervical dilatation.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
low back massage | decrease | third VAS score | pregnant women | 9.2 ± 2.4 vs 6.7 ± 2.7 | significantly higher in the control group than massage group | #1 |
low back massage | decrease | labor pain | pregnant women | - | has a significant impact on reducing | #2 |
low back massage | increase | satisfaction with birth | pregnant women | - | increasing | #3 |
low back massage | increase | mean scores of satisfaction about delivery | pregnant women | 8.8 ± 0.7 in massage group and 6.9 ± 0.8 in control group | found as | #4 |
low back massage | decrease | mean duration of second stage | pregnant women | 24.6 ± 12.7 min in massage group and 31.7 ± 20.9 min in control group | was | #5 |
AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of low back massage on perceived birth pain and delivery. METHOD: This study was designed as a study-control experimental type. The study sample consisted of 62 pregnant women (massage group = 31, control group = 31). Massage was applied to the study group in three phases during intrapartum period. The massages were done at the end of latent, active and transition phases (at cervical dilatation 3-4 cm, 5-7 cm, 8-10 cm) correspondingly. The VAS scores were evaluated three times during all phases. RESULTS: The first mean VAS score was 5.2 ± 0.9 and 7.3 ± 1.3 for massage and control groups, respectively. Second VAS score was found as 6.6 ± 1.6 in massage group and 8.8 ± 1.0 in control group. The third VAS score was significantly higher in the control group than massage group during third evaluation (9.2 ± 2.4 vs 6.7 ± 2.7) (p < 0.05). The mean duration of second stage was 24.6 ± 12.7 min in massage group and 31.7 ± 20.9 min in control group (p > 0.05). The mean scores of satisfaction about delivery were found as 8.8 ± 0.7 in massage group and 6.9 ± 0.8 in control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It was determined in the study that lower back massage has a significant impact on reducing labor pain and increasing the satisfaction with birth. Health professionals, who work in the delivery unit, can use massage intervention for decreasing pain, shortening delivery time and increasing satisfaction with birth experience.