Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Pain Management During Labor.

This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-sequence, two-period crossover clinical trial. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) as a non-pharmacological intervention for pain management during the active phase of first-stage labor.

The trial will be conducted in the Labor and Delivery Unit of the Maternal-Infant Block at Hospital Escuela Universitario in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The unit is equipped with standard obstetric monitoring and care facilities.

Methodological Details:

Crossover Design: Each participant will act as her own control. Participants will be randomized to one of two sequences: 1) Active TENS followed by Sham TENS, or 2) Sham TENS followed by Active TENS.

Intervention & Control: The active intervention involves the use of a commercial, portable TENS unit (TENSCARE Perfect Mama+). The sham/placebo control involves the identical application of the device and electrodes but with the stimulator unit switched off. To maintain blinding, all devices will be visually identical and pre-coded by a third party not involved in data collection.

Washout Period: A standardized 30-minute washout period will be implemented between the active and sham phases. This duration is based on literature indicating the analgesic effects of TENS subside within 20-60 minutes post-use.

Intervention Periods: Each phase (active or sham) will have a defined application period during cervical dilation from ≥5 cm up to 10 cm. Pain assessments (Visual Analog Scale - VAS) will be conducted at baseline, 15 minutes, and 30 minutes after the initiation of each phase. The total duration of TENS/sham use per phase will be recorded.

Blinding Assessment: At the conclusion of the study, a blinding validation questionnaire will be administered to participants and clinical staff to assess the success of masking.

Additional Assessments: Beyond the crossover phases for pain measurement, the study will continue to observe participants in the experimental group to collect secondary data on the total duration of active labor, mode of delivery, maternal and neonatal complications, and postpartum satisfaction (using the Mackey Satisfaction Childbirth Rating Scale - MCSRS) within 24 hours after birth.

Statistical Considerations: The primary analysis will use linear mixed models or repeated measures ANOVA, accounting for treatment, period, and sequence effects. Carry-over effects will be specifically tested. The intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) populations will be defined for analysis.

Scientific Rationale: The study design (crossover) increases statistical power and controls for inter-individual variability in pain perception. The double-blind, placebo-controlled approach minimizes bias. The protocol includes specific measures for bias minimization: centralized computerized randomization via REDCap, allocation concealment, and blinded outcome assessment.

Note: The full study protocol contains additional details on sample size calculation (n=132, based on a 1.0-point difference on VAS), safety monitoring, adverse event reporting, data management in REDCap, and ethical oversight by the Institutional Review Board of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH).

Inclusion criteria

• Signed informed consent.
• Women aged 18-45 years.
• Nulliparous.
• Term singleton pregnancy (37-42 weeks).
• Cephalic presentation.
• Spontaneous onset of labor or induced/conducted labor under adequate control.
• Cervical dilation of at least 5 cm at enrollment.
• Normal amniotic fluid volume and reassuring fetal monitoring.
• Uncomplicated pregnancy.

Exclusion criteria

• Multiple pregnancy.
• Non-cephalic presentation.
• Severe obstetric complications (e.g., preeclampsia, placental abruption).
• Maternal chronic or acute diseases interfering with safety.
• History of neurological/psychiatric disorders contraindicating TENS.
• Abnormal fetal monitoring or amniotic fluid.
• Pre-pregnancy BMI >30 kg/m².
• Fetal demise.
• Illiteracy.