The effect of reflexology on labor pain, anxiety, labor duration, and birth satisfaction in primiparous pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Akköz Çevik Semra, Incedal İlknurJournal: Health care for women internationalPublished: January 1, 2021DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2020.1800014

Strong EvidenceRandomized Controlled Trialn=60 participants

Anxiety Pregnancy Discomfort

In Plain Language: reflexology for anxiety, explained

The authors of this study aimed to determine the effect of reflexology on labor outcomes in primiparous pregnant women. A total of 60 women participated in the study in 2 groups of 30 for reflexology and control groups. During the first stage of labor, the reflexology technique was applied to reflex regions of each foot. VAS mean scores and State Anxiety Inventory mean scores of the experimental group were found to be statistically significantly lower than the control group. Reflexology was effective in decreasing pain and anxiety and increasing the birth satisfaction during the first stage of labor.

Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about anxiety

✓Reflexology application during the first stage of labor significantly reduced pain scores compared to the control group.
✓Women receiving reflexology during labor experienced statistically significantly lower anxiety levels than the control group.
✓Reflexology increased birth satisfaction in primiparous women during the first stage of labor.

What This Means for You

If you're a first-time mother, reflexology during early labor may help reduce pain and anxiety based on this well-designed study, though more research on larger groups would strengthen this evidence.

What This Means for Practitioners

This RCT supports reflexology's effectiveness for reducing labor pain and anxiety in primiparous women, providing evidence-based support for offering this service during the first stage of labor.

Study Design: how this randomised trial was run

Sample Size

60 participants

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Reflexology for anxiety: common questions

Does reflexology help with anxiety?

If you're a first-time mother, reflexology during early labor may help reduce pain and anxiety based on this well-designed study, though more research on larger groups would strengthen this evidence.

What did this study find?

Reflexology application during the first stage of labor significantly reduced pain scores compared to the control group. Women receiving reflexology during labor experienced statistically significantly lower anxiety levels than the control group. Reflexology increased birth satisfaction in primiparous women during the first stage of labor.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 60 participants. It was published in Health care for women international. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.