The effect of acupressure on labor pain and the duration of labor when applied to the SP6 point: Randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to determine the effect of acupressure (SP6) on first stage of labor pain and duration. Methods: A single blind, randomized controlled experimental trial was conducted with 60 pregnant women: 30 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. At the active and transition stages of labor, acupressure was applied to the SP6 point of the experimental group, and the SP6 point of the control group was touched each contraction. The data were collected using the Pregnant Information Form. The Partograph Form was used to determine the duration of active stage and transition stage. The labor pain severity was measured using a numeric rating scale (NRS) immediately after each acupressure/touch SP6 in active and transition stages. A participant questionnaire on satisfaction was administered in the immediate postnatal period. The group difference was tested for statistical significance using the Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: As the primary outcome, labor pain was less and duration of labor was shorter for the experimental group. As the secondary outcome, satisfaction was increased that could be as a result of reduced pain in labor and/or shorter duration of labor. The perceived pain level in the active stage in the experimental group (n = 30) was less than the control group (n = 30) (labor pain: 7.17 + 0.89 vs. 7.66 + 0.71, p = .002). The mean duration of the first stage of labor in the experimental group was shorter than the control group (4.88 + 0.85 hr vs. 5.56 ± 0.66, p = .001). It was also found that pregnant women in the experimental group would recommend this method to other pregnant women (Chi-square = 5.711, p = .017). Conclusions: Application of acupressure on SP6 was found to have a positive effect on pregnant women's labor experience and reducing the labor pain and shortening the duration of first stage of labor compared to touch on SP6. The women receiving acupressure had higher levels of satisfaction in acupressure application than women receiving only touch on SP6, which could be as a result of reduced pain in labor and/or shorter duration of labor.

Effect of acupressure on childbirth outcomes in nulliparous women: A randomized clinical trial

“…The results of measuring labor pain by numeric rating scale (NRS) showed less labor pain in the intervention group. [ 30 ] These results are in line with the present study with the difference that they used a placebo effect in the control group, but we did not, which is related to the fact that we had two interventions whereas they had one. Also, the measurement tool in the present study for pain intensity was VAS, whereas they used NRS.…”

Effect of acupressure on childbirth outcomes in nulliparous women: A randomized clinical trial

“…The results of measuring labor pain by numeric rating scale (NRS) showed less labor pain in the intervention group. [ 30 ] These results are in line with the present study with the difference that they used a placebo effect in the control group, but we did not, which is related to the fact that we had two interventions whereas they had one. Also, the measurement tool in the present study for pain intensity was VAS, whereas they used NRS.…”

The Effect of Ice Massage Applied to the SP6 Point on Labor Pain, Labor Comfort, Labor Duration, and Anxiety: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…The continual stimulation of acupressure points in labor can increase vital energy flow in the meridians, and thus provide more considerable therapeutic effects 21 . In studies similar to this study in which acupressure was applied to the SP6 point, it has been reported that labor pain levels of intervention groups are lower compared with those of control groups 7,11,16–19 . Reduced labor pain will lead to positive childbirth‐related emotions, the woman's participation in labor, and birth without pain medications.…”

Effect of Spleen 6 Point Acupressure on Severity of Labor Pain, Duration of Labor, and Women’s Satisfaction

“…Gönenç and Terzioǧlu (2020) observed improvements in emotional responses, self-control, and overall childbirth experience associated with acupressure. Although Türkmen and Çeber Turfan (2020) reported a higher satisfaction rate among women receiving SP6 acupressure, the difference did not achieve statistical significance, underscoring the need for further investigation into the psychosocial dimensions of this technique.…”

“…This statistically significant difference aligns with findings by Gönenç and Terzioǧlu (2020) who observed reduced pain scores during the transition phase. However, Türkmen and Çeber Turfan (2020) reported no significant difference between groups. Mafetoni and Shimo, (2015) found a minor reduction in pain, suggesting that SP6 acupressure may be most effective up to 8 cm cervical dilation.…”

Effect of acupressure on childbirth outcomes in nulliparous women: A randomized clinical trial

“…The results of measuring labor pain by numeric rating scale (NRS) showed less labor pain in the intervention group. [ 30 ] These results are in line with the present study with the difference that they used a placebo effect in the control group, but we did not, which is related to the fact that we had two interventions whereas they had one. Also, the measurement tool in the present study for pain intensity was VAS, whereas they used NRS.…”

The Effect of Ice Massage Applied to the SP6 Point on Labor Pain, Labor Comfort, Labor Duration, and Anxiety: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…The continual stimulation of acupressure points in labor can increase vital energy flow in the meridians, and thus provide more considerable therapeutic effects 21 . In studies similar to this study in which acupressure was applied to the SP6 point, it has been reported that labor pain levels of intervention groups are lower compared with those of control groups 7,11,16–19 . Reduced labor pain will lead to positive childbirth‐related emotions, the woman's participation in labor, and birth without pain medications.…”

Effect of Spleen 6 Point Acupressure on Severity of Labor Pain, Duration of Labor, and Women’s Satisfaction

“…Gönenç and Terzioǧlu (2020) observed improvements in emotional responses, self-control, and overall childbirth experience associated with acupressure. Although Türkmen and Çeber Turfan (2020) reported a higher satisfaction rate among women receiving SP6 acupressure, the difference did not achieve statistical significance, underscoring the need for further investigation into the psychosocial dimensions of this technique.…”

“…This statistically significant difference aligns with findings by Gönenç and Terzioǧlu (2020) who observed reduced pain scores during the transition phase. However, Türkmen and Çeber Turfan (2020) reported no significant difference between groups. Mafetoni and Shimo, (2015) found a minor reduction in pain, suggesting that SP6 acupressure may be most effective up to 8 cm cervical dilation.…”

Effect of acupressure on childbirth outcomes in nulliparous women: A randomized clinical trial

“…The results of measuring labor pain by numeric rating scale (NRS) showed less labor pain in the intervention group. [ 30 ] These results are in line with the present study with the difference that they used a placebo effect in the control group, but we did not, which is related to the fact that we had two interventions whereas they had one. Also, the measurement tool in the present study for pain intensity was VAS, whereas they used NRS.…”

The Effect of Ice Massage Applied to the SP6 Point on Labor Pain, Labor Comfort, Labor Duration, and Anxiety: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…The continual stimulation of acupressure points in labor can increase vital energy flow in the meridians, and thus provide more considerable therapeutic effects 21 . In studies similar to this study in which acupressure was applied to the SP6 point, it has been reported that labor pain levels of intervention groups are lower compared with those of control groups 7,11,16–19 . Reduced labor pain will lead to positive childbirth‐related emotions, the woman's participation in labor, and birth without pain medications.…”

Effect of Spleen 6 Point Acupressure on Severity of Labor Pain, Duration of Labor, and Women’s Satisfaction

“…Gönenç and Terzioǧlu (2020) observed improvements in emotional responses, self-control, and overall childbirth experience associated with acupressure. Although Türkmen and Çeber Turfan (2020) reported a higher satisfaction rate among women receiving SP6 acupressure, the difference did not achieve statistical significance, underscoring the need for further investigation into the psychosocial dimensions of this technique.…”

“…This statistically significant difference aligns with findings by Gönenç and Terzioǧlu (2020) who observed reduced pain scores during the transition phase. However, Türkmen and Çeber Turfan (2020) reported no significant difference between groups. Mafetoni and Shimo, (2015) found a minor reduction in pain, suggesting that SP6 acupressure may be most effective up to 8 cm cervical dilation.…”