Effects of Pilates ball and sacral massage on labor pain and satisfaction

Effects of Pilates Ball and Sacral Massage Applications on Labor Pain, Labor Duration and Childbirth Satisfaction: A Randomized Controlled Study

Not applicable Interventional Ege University · NCT06927531

This study is testing whether using a Pilates ball or sacral massage can help pregnant women manage labor pain and feel more satisfied during childbirth.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment105 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexFemale
SponsorEge University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Şehitkamil, Gazi̇antep)
Trial IDNCT06927531 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of Pilates ball and manual sacral massage applications on labor pain, duration, and satisfaction among pregnant women. Conducted as a randomized controlled trial, it will involve 105 participants divided into three groups: Pilates ball, sacral massage, and a control group. The interventions will be applied during the active phase of labor in two public hospitals in Gaziantep, Turkey. The study aims to provide non-pharmacological methods for pain management during childbirth, which can be easily implemented by midwives.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant women aged 18 to 35, at term (38-41 weeks), primiparous, with a single live fetus and no pregnancy complications.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with indications for cesarean section, chronic diseases, or complications during labor.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance childbirth experiences by reducing pain and increasing satisfaction for women in labor.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with non-pharmacological pain management techniques during labor, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women over 18 years old and under 35 years old
* Term pregnancies (38-41 weeks gestation)
* Primiparous
* Those with a single live fetus
* Vertex development
* Those who do not have any risk factors during pregnancy (Dermatological disease, Preeclampsia, active membrane rupture, oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios, gestational diabetes, placental anomalies, intrauterine growth retardation, intrauterine dead fetus, macrosomic babies, fetal distress, etc.)
* Those who do not have any obstacles for Pilates ball application
* Those who do not have any chronic diseases (Hypertension, DM, ...)
* Those in the active phase of labor, those who have at least 1 hour of labor follow-up
* Pregnant women who voluntarily accept to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Indications for Caesarean section (such as presentation disorder, breech presentation)
* Those who underwent induction
* Those whose labor duration was shorter than 1 hour or longer than 8 hours
* Those who underwent vacuum forceps or shoulder insertion

Where this trial is running

Şehitkamil, Gazi̇antep

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Labor PainSatisfactionsacral massagepilates ball
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.