[Respiratory autogenic training in preparation for labor (RAT method)]
Limited EvidenceIn Plain Language: pregnancy, explained
Preparation for childbirth with the R.A.T. method involves two therapeutic steps. The first concerns a conditioning relaxation technique derived from hypnosis. Schultz's T.A. and reflexology. There is a series of seven exercises, each of which is supplemented by a revision exercise. The central training exercises coincide with the achievement of sleep breathing, followed by physical deconditioning to external stimuli and semantic deconditioning to uterine contractions. The second step involves a form of analysis designed to examine the mechanism of emotions in a particular situation, marker by the loss of connection between the Ego, the body and the environment, as occurs during group autogenous relaxation.
Key Findings: what this observational study found about pregnancy
- ✓The RAT method combines conditioning relaxation techniques derived from hypnosis, Schultz's autogenic training, and reflexology in a structured seven-exercise program for childbirth preparation.
- ✓The training achieves physical deconditioning to external stimuli and semantic deconditioning to uterine contractions through sleep breathing exercises.
- ✓The method includes analysis of emotional mechanisms that occur during group autogenous relaxation, characterized by disconnection between the ego, body, and environment.
What This Means for You
While this historical study suggests relaxation and breathing training may help with labor preparation, the evidence is weak by modern standards and lacks details about how many women participated or whether it actually reduced pain or complications.
What This Means for Practitioners
The RAT method demonstrates an early integration of breathing, autogenic relaxation, and body-awareness techniques that remain relevant to modern reflexology and somatic labor preparation practices.
Pregnancy: common questions
What does this study say about pregnancy?
While this historical study suggests relaxation and breathing training may help with labor preparation, the evidence is weak by modern standards and lacks details about how many women participated or whether it actually reduced pain or complications.
What did this study find?
The RAT method combines conditioning relaxation techniques derived from hypnosis, Schultz's autogenic training, and reflexology in a structured seven-exercise program for childbirth preparation. The training achieves physical deconditioning to external stimuli and semantic deconditioning to uterine contractions through sleep breathing exercises. The method includes analysis of emotional mechanisms that occur during group autogenous relaxation, characterized by disconnection between the ego, body, and environment.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a observational study and we rate its evidence limited. It was published in Minerva medica. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.
Related Research
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The effect of prenatal yoga and reflexology in reducing labor duration and perceived pain; a systematic review and meta-analysis
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