Effects of Massage and Acupressure on Relieving Labor Pain, Reducing Labor Time, and Increasing Delivery Satisfaction

Background: Several recent studies have documented the effects of massage and acupressure in reducing labor pain and labor time and in satisfaction with the delivery. However, few studies have investigated the comparative effects of these two therapies. Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of massage and acupressure on labor-related pain management, duration, and satisfaction with delivery. Methods: This randomized controlled trial (n = 120) included three intervention groups (massage only, acupressure only, and massage + acupressure) and one control group, in which patients received no massage or acupressure treatment. A personal information form, Pregnant Watch Form, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used to collect data. Frequency and percentage calculations, chi-square test, Student's t test, Tukey's honestly significant difference test, and one-way variance analysis were used for data analysis. Results: In the latent phase of labor, the mean VAS scores of the massage-only group and massage + acupressure group were lower (4.56 +/- 1.36 and 4.63 +/- 1.52, respectively) than that of the control group (6.16 +/- 1.46; p < .01). In the active and transition phases, the mean VAS scores of the massage-only group, acupressure-only group, and massage + acupressure group were significantly lower than that of the control group (p < .01 and p < .001, respectively). During postpartum, the mean VAS score of the massage + acupressure group was lower (2.30 +/- 0.70) than that of the control group (2.96 +/- 0.72; p = .003). Cervical dilatation completion time and 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores were similar among all of the groups (p > .05). The three intervention groups reported relatively more positive feelings than the control group, and all three of the interventions were found to be effective in improving satisfaction.