The Effect of Ice Massage Applied to the SP6 Point on Labor Pain, Labor Comfort, Labor Duration, and Anxiety: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the effects of ice massage applied to the SP6 acupressure point during labor on pain, comfort, duration, and anxiety.
Results Summary
Ice massage significantly reduced labor pain and anxiety while increasing comfort at various cervical dilation stages, with no adverse events reported.
Population
100 nulliparous women in labor.
Effective Dosage
Rotational ice massage applied to the SP6 point on both legs at 4-5 cm, 6-7 cm, and 8-9 cm dilation during 3 contractions.
Duration
Administered during the first stage of labor.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rotational ice massage applied to the SP6 acupressure point | decrease | VAS pain scores | nulliparous women in the intervention group | - | significantly lower | #1 |
Rotational ice massage applied to the SP6 acupressure point | increase | total CCQ comfort level scores | pregnant women in the intervention group at 8 to 9 cm cervical dilatation | - | significantly higher | #2 |
Rotational ice massage applied to the SP6 acupressure point | decrease | labor pain | pregnant women | - | reduced | #3 |
Rotational ice massage applied to the SP6 acupressure point | increase | comfort | pregnant women | - | increased | #4 |
Rotational ice massage applied to the SP6 acupressure point | decrease | anxiety levels | pregnant women | - | reduced | #5 |
INTRODUCTION: Acupressure and cold application are nonpharmacologic methods that midwives can use for labor pain. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of ice massage applied to the SP6 acupressure point during labor on labor pain, labor comfort, labor duration, and anxiety. METHODS: A single-masked, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 100 nulliparous women, including 50 in the intervention group and 50 in the control group. Rotational ice massage was applied to the SP6 point on both legs of the pregnant women in the intervention group at 4 to 5 cm, 6 to 7 cm, and 8 to 9 cm dilation amounts during 3 contractions. Routine oxytocin was administered to all pregnant women to promote progress of labor. Standard midwifery care was provided to the control group. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a partograph form, the Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire (CCQ), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory State subscale. RESULT: The VAS pain scores of the pregnant women in the intervention group were significantly lower compared with the control group following the intervention at dilatations of 4 to 5 cm, 6 to 7 cm, and 8 to 9 cm (P = .001, P = .003, P <.001, respectively). The total CCQ and comfort level scores of the pregnant women in the intervention group at 8 to 9 cm cervical dilatation were significantly higher than the control group (P = 0.044, P = .027, respectively). Additionally, as the anxiety levels of the pregnant women increased, their total comfort scores decreased (P <.05). DISCUSSION: Ice application to the SP6 point during stage 1 of childbirth reduced labor pain, increased comfort, and reduced anxiety levels. No adverse events were found in the intervention group with ice massage applied to the SP6 point. Therefore, this method can be used as a safe and effective midwifery intervention in childbirth.