The Effect of Progressive Relaxation Exercise

Karabuk University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Labor Pain; Breastfeeding; Pregnancy

Treatments: Behavioral: Progressive Relaxation-Based Childbirth Preparation Program

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07090902

KBÜBAP-24-YL-010 (Other Grant/Funding Number)

2023/1493

Details and patient eligibility

About

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effect of a childbirth preparation program that includes progressive relaxation exercises on pregnant women's preferences for mode of delivery, their experience of labour pain, and breastfeeding comfort. Participants in the intervention group will receive a specially developed educational booklet and an audio CD with guided exercises, along with face-to-face training sessions. The control group will receive standard prenatal care. The study will help determine whether relaxation-based training can support women in coping with labour more comfortably and influence their choices and early postpartum experiences.

Full description

This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a childbirth preparation education program that incorporates progressive relaxation exercises. The intervention was developed to address the physical and psychological challenges pregnant women face, particularly in managing labour pain, making informed decisions about mode of delivery, and achieving comfort in early breastfeeding.

The study will be conducted in four stages. First, a childbirth preparation booklet including progressive relaxation techniques will be created based on current literature and expert guidance. Second, the content will be reviewed by a panel of experts to ensure content validity. Third, eligible pregnant women will receive in-person training sessions supported by the booklet and a relaxation exercise CD developed by the Turkish Psychological Association. Lastly, participants will be instructed to practice the exercises daily at home, and the effectiveness of the intervention will be evaluated using validated measurement tools.

The trial will be conducted in Samsun, Türkiye, and will include 40 pregnant women meeting specific inclusion criteria. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. Outcomes will be measured using established scales such as the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for labour pain, LATCH for breastfeeding, and a postpartum comfort scale. The results of this study may contribute to the development of accessible, low-cost, and culturally appropriate childbirth education strategies in Türkiye and globally.

Enrollment: 40 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 49 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Female participants aged between 18 and 49 years
• Currently pregnant
• Willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent
• Able to attend the planned training sessions regularly
• No complications during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum for themselves or their newborn

Exclusion criteria

• Not within the age range of 18-49
• Not currently pregnant
• Fails to complete study questionnaires or withdraws from the study
• Has communication difficulties or cognitive impairment
• Fails to attend training sessions regularly
• Has open wounds or allergic skin conditions
• Develops postpartum complications (e.g., bleeding, infection, fever)
• Has cardiac arrhythmia or uses a pacemaker
• Diagnosed with conditions such as epilepsy or pre-eclampsia
• Has kidney or liver disease
• Previously practiced progressive muscle relaxation techniques
• Is morbidly obese (BMI > 40)
• Uses chronic opioids, antidepressants, or psychoactive medications

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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40 participants in 2 patient groups

Progressive Relaxation-Based Childbirth Preparation Program

Experimental group

Description:

A structured education program including progressive muscle relaxation techniques delivered through face-to-face instruction, printed materials, and a guided CD. Participants are asked to follow daily exercises at home until birth.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Progressive Relaxation-Based Childbirth Preparation Program

Control Group

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants in this group will receive standard antenatal care provided by the hospital. No additional childbirth education or relaxation training will be offered.