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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Massage | Study protocol

Effects of the addition of transcutaneous electrical stimulation to non-pharmacological measures in labor pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Naiara Toledo Dias, Patrícia Roberta Santos, Thais Alves Cândido, Rogério de Melo Costa Pinto, Ana Paula Magalhães Resende, Vanessa Santos Pereira-Baldon

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

Labor, although natural and physiological, is a period that can be marked by stress, pain, anxiety, suffering, fear, and anguish for a woman. Thus, non-pharmacological methods that reduce pain during labor are important to allow a better experience without the use of medications. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of non-pharmacological pain relief methods, added or not to the application of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS), on pain, satisfaction with the childbirth, duration of labor, and newborn conditions.

Methods

This is a randomized controlled clinical trial, with a non-probabilistic convenience sample, composed of women in the first active stage of labor, admitted to a public institution. The parturients will be divided into 3 groups: group 1 (n = 36) composed of parturients who will have continuous support and will be encouraged to walk, adopting different positions with the use of the Swiss ball and receiving back massage for 30 min; group 2 (n = 36) composed of parturients who will also have continuous support and will be encouraged to walk, adopt different positions using the Swiss ball, and will receive the application of TENS for 30 min; and group 3 (n = 36) composed of parturients who will have continuous support and will be encouraged to walk, adopting different positions with the use of the Swiss ball, and will receive placebo TENS application for 30 min. The outcomes evaluated in the study will be pain intensity assessed by the visual analog scale of pain applied before, immediately after, and 30 min and 1 h after the interventions; Experience and Satisfaction with Childbirth Questionnaire (QESP) applied 12 to 24 h after delivery; and data regarding delivery (type of delivery, total duration of labor, and possible obstetric complications) and neonate (weight, height, possible complications, Apgar score in the first and fifth minutes).

Discussion

With this research, it is expected to understand the effects of the intervention through TENS electrostimulation added to other non-pharmacological methods for pain management during labor.

Trial registration

Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC) RBR-68kh6j. Registered on March 17, 2020

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Title: Effects of the addition of transcutaneous electrical stimulation to non-pharmacological measures in labor pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Naiara Toledo Dias
Patrícia Roberta Santos
Thais Alves Cândido
Rogério de Melo Costa Pinto
Ana Paula Magalhães Resende
Vanessa Santos Pereira-Baldon
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Massage
Published in: Trials / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-021-05969-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Effects of the addition of transcutaneous electrical stimulation to non-pharmacological measures in labor pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

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