Effects of auriculotherapy on labour pain: a randomized clinical trial

Authors

  • Reginaldo Roque Mafetoni Universidade Estadual de Campinas; Faculdade de Enfermagem
  • Antonieta Keiko Kakuda Shimo Universidade Estadual de Campinas; Faculdade de Enfermagem

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/s0080-623420160000600003

Keywords:

Labor Pain, Labor, Obstetric, Cesarean Section, Obstetric Nursing

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Assessing the effects of auriculotherapy in pain control and its outcomes on the duration of labour. METHOD This is a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial with preliminary data. Thirty pregnant women with gestational age ≥ 37 weeks, cervical dilatation ≥ 4 cm and two or more contractions in 10 minutes were selected and randomly divided into three groups: auriculotherapy, placebo and control. Auriculotherapy was applied using crystal beads on four strategic points. RESULTS No statistical significance was found between the groups with regard to pain; however, the women from the auriculotherapy group had lower intensity and less perception of pain at 30, 60 and 120 minutes of treatment. The average duration of labour was shorter in the auriculotherapy group (248.7 versus placebo 414.8 versus control 296.3 minutes); caesarean section rates were higher in the placebo group (50%) and the same in the other groups (10%). CONCLUSION Mothers who received auriculotherapy presented a tendency for greater pain control and shorter labour duration; however, caesarean section rates in this group were similar to the control group. This trial precedes a larger study in progress. Registration of Brazilian Clinical Trials: RBR-47hhbj.

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Published

2016-10-01

Issue

Section

Original Article

How to Cite

Mafetoni, R. R., & Shimo, A. K. K. (2016). Effects of auriculotherapy on labour pain: a randomized clinical trial. Revista Da Escola De Enfermagem Da USP, 50(5), 726-732. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0080-623420160000600003