Nada Yoga Music Therapy for Pain and Anxiety in Labor

Overview

This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Based on the power analysis (Cohen's d = 0.80, α = 0.05, power = 80%), a total of 52 pregnant women were included, with 26 participants in the intervention group and 26 in the control group. Pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria and provided written informed consent were randomly assigned to the groups using a computer-generated randomization method. The intervention group received Nada Yoga music therapy after admission to the delivery room, and the intervention was continued until birth. The therapy consisted of music compatible with the philosophy of Nada Yoga, including relaxing melodies, mantras, and nature sounds, which were delivered via speakers placed in the labor room. The control group received standard obstetric care. Data were collected using the Pregnant Woman Information Form, Labor Follow-up Form, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory.

This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial. The sample size was determined through a power analysis based on an effect size of 0.80 (Cohen's d) obtained from a reference study, a significance level of 5% (α = 0.05), and a statistical power of 80% (1 - β = 0.80). The calculation for two independent groups indicated that a total of 52 pregnant women, with 26 participants in each group (26 in the intervention group and 26 in the control group), were required, and the study was completed with this sample size. The study was carried out on two independent groups to evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy during the labor process. The intervention group consisted of pregnant women who received Nada Yoga music therapy, while the control group comprised pregnant women who received standard obstetric care. Pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria and voluntarily agreed to participate provided both verbal and written informed consent, after which they were randomly assigned to the intervention or control groups using a computer-generated randomization method. Pregnant women in the intervention group received Nada Yoga music therapy after admission to the delivery room. As part of the intervention, a specially selected music playlist consistent with the philosophy of Nada Yoga-including relaxing melodies, mantras, and nature sounds known for their calming effects-was used. The music was delivered through speakers placed in the delivery room, and the intervention was continued uninterrupted from admission until birth. No music therapy was applied to the control group; these participants were followed throughout the labor process solely according to routine obstetric care protocols. During the implementation of the study, pregnant women admitted to the labor clinic were informed about the aim, scope, and procedures of the research. Prior to the intervention, when cervical dilation reached 4-5 cm, data were collected from both groups using the Pregnant Woman Information Form, the Labor Follow-up Form, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain assessment, and the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory. Following the intervention, data collection was repeated in both groups at different stages of labor. Measurements were conducted during the active phase (cervical dilation of 4-7 cm) and the transition phase (cervical dilation of 8-10 cm). At these stages, the Pregnant Woman Information Form, the Labor Follow-up Form, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory were re-administered to assess pain and anxiety levels.