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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06304311

Effectiveness of Backside Massage and Lamaze Breathing on Labour Outcome Among Primigravida

The study aims to investigate the effects of a combination of Lamaze breathing exercises and backside massage on the labor experiences of primigravidae in Pakistan. Labour pain, if left unaddressed, can lead to abnormal labor, hence the importance of effective pain management techniques. Lamaze breathing techniques are non-pharmacological methods aimed at psychologically and physically preparing mothers for drug-free childbirth. Backside massage therapy is another non-invasive intervention that can help to reduce pain and anxiety during labor. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial with two groups: an intervention group receiving backside massage and Lamaze breathing along with standard labor care, and a control group receiving only standard labor care. Primigravidae between 26 to 34 weeks of gestation without chronic diseases or pregnancy-related complications will be recruited from antenatal departments. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to either group to minimize bias. The backside massage therapy intervention will be administered by trained massage therapists. Outcome measures include level of labor pain and anxiety levels, maternal stress hormone levels (adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol, and oxytocin), maternal vital signs, fetal heart rate, labor duration, APGAR scores, and maternal satisfaction and self-efficacy. The sample size of 90 participants (45 in each group) has been determined to achieve a 95% power level with a 5% error rate, accounting for a 20% attrition rate. Data analysis will employ mixed-effect regression models, time series analyses, paired t-tests, or equivalent non-parametric tests to assess between-group and within-group outcome measures. The study aims to provide valuable insights into the efficacy of combining Lamaze breathing exercises and backside massage therapy as complementary interventions for managing labor pain and anxiety among primigravidae in Pakistan, potentially reducing the need for medically unnecessary cesarean sections and improving maternal and neonatal outcomes.

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Key information

Conditions

Labor Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

20 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Lady Wallingdon Hospital

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Primigravidae
  • Age 20-35 years old
  • Gestational age of 37-41 weeks
  • First stage of labour
  • Singleton pregnancy
  • Cephalic presentation
  • Regular contractions
  • Cervical dilatation of at least 6 cm
  • Minimum of three contractions every 10 minutes
  • Contraction intensity of at least moderate
  • Contraction duration between 30 seconds and 60 seconds

Exclusion criteria

  • Diagnosis of underlying chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, mental health disorders, epilepsy or seizure)
  • Pregnancy-related diseases (e.g., gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, cephalo-pelvic disproportion, polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios, deep venous thrombosis)
  • Pregnancy complications (e.g., placenta praevia, antepartum haemorrhage, fetal distress, administration of analgesics)

Treatment and study plan

Routine Obstetrics care & Lamaze breathing techniques and backside massage

Procedure

Lamaze breathing techniques Five breathing patterns were introduced namely- cleansing breathing for relaxation, slow-paced breathing, modified-paced breathing and patterned- paced breathing. These patterns were used during and following contractions. Gentle pushing, and breath-hold during pushing were instructed during the second stage of labor which encouraged descent of the baby.

Backside massage during 2nd stage of labor by the trained massage therapist.

Routine obstetrics care

Procedure

Participants in the control arm received routine obstetrics care, which typically includes standard prenatal care, monitoring during labor, and delivery management according to established hospital protocols. There were no additional interventions or techniques implemented beyond standard practice for managing labor and delivery.

Primary outcomes

  1. Labour pain intensity

    Time frame: During 1st stage to 01 day after labour

    Labour pain intensity is a measure used to assess the severity or level of pain experienced by a woman during childbirth. It typically involves asking the woman to rate her pain on a scale, often ranging from 0 to 10, with 0 representing no pain and 10 representing the worst pain imaginable. This outcome measure helps healthcare providers understand the woman's level of discomfort during Labour and can guide decisions regarding pain management strategies and interventions to ensure her comfort and well-being throughout the birthing process.

  2. Anxiety level

    Time frame: During 1st stage to 01 day after labour

    Anxiety levels were measured by GAD-7 scoring system. GAD-7 is a brief self-report questionnaire designed to screen for generalized anxiety disorder and assess its severity. It consists of 7 items, and participants rate how often they have been bothered by each symptom over the past two weeks on a scale from 0 to 3. Total scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating more severe anxiety symptoms.

  3. Duration of Labour

    Time frame: During 1st stage to 01 day after labour

    Duration of labour is a measure used to assess the length of time it takes for a woman to progress through the stages of childbirth, from the onset of regular contractions to the delivery of the baby and placenta. It is typically recorded in hours or minutes and includes the duration of both the active and passive phases of labour, as well as the length of time spent pushing during the second stage. Monitoring the duration of labour is essential for healthcare providers to evaluate the progress of labour, identify potential complications, and make informed decisions regarding interventions or assistance to ensure a safe and healthy delivery for both the mother and baby.

  4. Maternal self-efficacy

    Time frame: During 1st stage to 01 day after labour

    Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory (CBSEI) for the measurement of maternal confidence & self-efficacy By Nancy. K. Lowe, for the experimental and control group. (Tool indicates 1 which indicates not all helpful and 10 very helpful)

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Lahore

Other

Collaborators

  • Mahsa University

Registry information

Official study title

Effectiveness of Backside Massage and Lamaze Breathing on Labour Outcome Among Primigravida in Tertiary Care Hospitals, Lahore Pakistan: A Randomized Control Trial

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2024
First posted
Mar 12, 2024
Registry last updated
May 11, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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