Effect of Mechanical Massage Cushion on Labor Pain and Comfort

Tarsus University70 enrolled

Overview

This study was conducted to examine the effect of mechanical massage applied with a mechanical massage cushion during labor on labor pain and comfort. This research is a randomized controlled experimental study. The universe of the study consisted of primiparous women who gave birth normally in a state hospital between November 2021 and February 2022, and the sample consisted of 70 pregnant women (35 pregnant women in the experimental group and 35 pregnant women in the control group) who met the selection criteria. Data were collected face-to-face with the Personal Information Form, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Verbal Category Scale (VCS), and Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire (CCQ). Data were analyzed using the SPSS 22.0 package program.

Massage applied during birth provides relaxation to the pregnant woman, reduces pain, anxiety, agitation, and depressive mood, relaxes muscle spasms, and reduces the duration of birth and hospital stay. There are a limited number of studies in the literature on mechanical massage during birth. This study was conducted to examine the effect of mechanical massage applied with a mechanical massage cushion during labor on labor pain and comfort. This research is a randomized controlled experimental study. The universe of the study consisted of primiparous women who gave birth normally in a state hospital between November 2021 and February 2022, and the sample consisted of 70 pregnant women (35 pregnant women in the experimental group and 35 pregnant women in the control group) who met the selection criteria. Data were collected face-to-face with the Personal Information Form, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Verbal Category Scale (VCS), and Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire (CCQ). Data were analyzed using the SPSS 22.0 package program. The normal distribution of the data was evaluated using the number, percentage, mean, chi-square, and t-test.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

SINGLE

Interventions

massageOTHER

The mechanical massage cushion was introduced to the pregnant woman and its use was explained. In addition to routine hospital procedures, during the latent phase, a custom-made bed protector and towel were placed on the mechanical massage cushion, and the researcher accompanied the pregnant woman during the first massage application. The bed protector and towel were changed as needed when soiled. During the active phase, the pregnant woman was asked to manage the mechanical massage cushion and massage the desired areas at the desired intensity until the end of the phase. Pain scales (VAS, VCS) were administered to the pregnant women at the end of the latent (when cervical dilation is 3 cm) and active phases (when cervical dilation is 8 cm). The Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire was administered at the end of the first hour after birth.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 49 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * At least a primary school graduate, no communication problems, healthy at term pregnancies, primiparous pregnants, in the latent phase of labor (cervical dilation 0-3 cm). Exclusion Criteria: * Foreign pregnant women, multiparous pregnants, pregnant women who dropped out of the study, pregnant women who experienced complications and required a cesarean section, pregnant women who were admitted to the delivery room while using an automatic massage cushion on another pregnant woman.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Assessment of childbirth comfort

Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire (CCQ): The scale was developed by Schuiling in 2003. The Turkish validity and reliability of the scale were examined by Coskuner et al. in 2015. The scale is a 5-point Likert-type instrument, consisting of 9 items and 3 sub-dimensions. The minimum score is 9 and the maximum score is 45. A high score indicates high comfort.

Time frame: The Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire was administered at the end of the first hour after birth.

Assessment of labor pain

Visual Analog Scale (VAS): It is a scale where painlessness and unbearable pain are indicated on a 10 cm ruler, and the individual marks the pain they perceive. When evaluating the scale, the distance between the beginning and the marked part is measured with the ruler and the distances are determined as 0-2 cm; 3-4 cm; 5-6 cm; 7-8 cm and 9-10 cm and should be interpreted as no pain; mild pain, moderate pain; severe pain and unbearable pain, respectively.

Time frame: VAS was administered to the pregnant women at the end of the latent (when cervical dilation is 3 cm) and active phases (when cervical dilation is 8 cm).

Assessment of labor pain

Verbal Category Scale (VCS): It is a one-dimensional scale that defines the severity of pain. Pain is divided into categories from mild to unbearable. The individual marks the part of the scale that corresponds to their pain.

Time frame: VCS was administered to the pregnant women at the end of the latent (when cervical dilation is 3 cm) and active phases (when cervical dilation is 8 cm).