Use of electromyographic and skin-conductance biofeedback relaxation training of facilitate childbirth in primiparae

Abstract

Matched groups of primigravid women received one of three antenatal training programmes: normal antenatal classes, normal classes plus electromyography biofeedback relaxation training, or normal classes plus skin-conductance biofeedback relaxation training. Myographic training was found to be effective within conventional antenatal constraints, whereas skin-conductance training was not. The women reported use of biofeedback training and related skills to be of some benefit during early labour. However, no difference between effectively trained electromyographic, ineffectively trained skin-conductance and control groups was found on labour and delivery performance measures.