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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2015:49:9.
doi: 10.1590/s0034-8910.2015049005407. Epub 2015 Feb 27.

Effects of acupressure on progress of labor and cesarean section rate: randomized clinical trial

Reginaldo Roque Mafetoni, Antonieta Keiko Kakuda Shimo
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of acupressure on progress of labor and cesarean section rate: randomized clinical trial

Reginaldo Roque Mafetoni et al. Rev Saude Publica. 2015.

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

OBJECTIVE To analyze the effects of acupressure at the SP6 point on labor duration and cesarean section rates in parturients served in a public maternity hospital. METHODS This controlled, randomized, double-blind, pragmatic clinical trial involved 156 participants with gestational age ≥ 37 weeks, cervical dilation ≥ 4 cm, and ≥ 2 contractions in 10 min. The women were randomly divided into an acupressure, placebo, or control group at a university hospital in an inland city in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 2013. Acupressure was applied to the SP6 point during contractions for 20 min. RESULTS The average labor duration was significantly different between the SP6 acupressure group [221.5 min (SD = 162.4)] versus placebo [397.9 min (SD = 265.6)] and versus control [381.9 min (SD = 358.3)] (p = 0.0047); however, the groups were similar regarding the cesarean section rates (p = 0.2526) and Apgar scores in the first minute (p = 0.9542) and the fifth minute (p = 0.7218) of life of the neonate. CONCLUSIONS The SP6 acupressure point proved to be a complementary measure to induce labor and may shorten the labor duration without causing adverse effects to the mother or the newborn. However, it did not affect the cesarean section rate.

OBJETIVO: Analisar os efeitos da acupressão no ponto BP6 no tempo de trabalho de parto e na taxa de cesárea, em parturientes atendidas em maternidade pública.

MÉTODOS: Trata-se de ensaio clínico controlado e randomizado, duplo-cego e de caráter pragmático. Foram selecionadas 156 participantes com idade gestacional ≥ 37 semanas, dilatação cervical ≥ 4 cm e duas ou mais contrações em 10 min. As gestantes foram divididas aleatoriamente em três grupos em um hospital universitário do interior do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, em 2013, para receber acupressão, placebo ou participar como grupo de controle. A acupressão foi aplicada no ponto BP6 durante as contrações, por 20 min.

RESULTADOS: A média da duração do trabalho de parto apresentou diferença significativa nos três grupos a partir do tratamento [221,5 min (DP = 162,4)] versus placebo [397,9 min (DP = 265,6)] e versus controle [381,9 min (DP = 358,3)] (p = 0,0047); porém, os grupos foram semelhantes quanto à taxa de cesárea (p = 0,2526) e a avaliação de Apgar no primeiro (p = 0,9542) e quinto min de vida do neonato (p = 0,7218).

CONCLUSÕES: A acupressão no ponto BP6 mostrou ser uma medida complementar para conduzir o trabalho de parto e pode ter encurtado esse período, sem ocasionar efeitos adversos para a mãe ou para o neonato. No entanto, não interferiu na taxa de cesárea.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Sanyinjiao point (SP6).
Figure 2
Figure 2. Diagram of data collection.
Figura 1
Figura 1. Ponto Sanyinjiao (BP6).
Figura 2
Figura 2. Diagrama de coleta de dados.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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