Laughter Yoga and Relaxation Techniques in Early Pregnancy
Official title: The Effects of Laughter Yoga and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises on Pregnancy Symptoms and Pregnancy-Related Anxiety in Primiparous Women in the First Trimester: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Selcuk University · NCT07927426 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether laughter yoga or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce pregnancy symptoms and anxiety in first-time pregnant women during the first trimester.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 171 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Selcuk University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Çankırı, Çankırı) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07927426 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Primiparous women in the first trimester (up to 13 weeks 6 days) who can read and communicate in Turkish and consent to participate.
✕Probably not a fit
Women with high-risk pregnancies, multiple gestations, or certain medical/psychiatric conditions may not benefit or may be excluded for safety reasons.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial compares three groups of primiparous women in the first trimester: laughter yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, or standard care. Participants will complete structured online sessions and report on pregnancy-related symptoms and anxiety. The study aims to determine if non-pharmacological relaxation techniques can relieve discomfort and improve well-being during early pregnancy. It is conducted at Çankırı, Turkey, with Selçuk University as the lead sponsor. Eligible participants include adults 18+ with a spontaneous, Turkish-speaking pregnancy in the first trimester, excluding high-risk or complex pregnancies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced pregnancy symptoms and lower pregnancy-related anxiety through simple, non-drug techniques.
How similar studies have gone: Evidence on laughter yoga and progressive muscle relaxation during pregnancy is limited, making this study a relatively novel contribution.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being 18 years of age or older. * Having a spontaneous pregnancy. * Being in the first trimester of pregnancy (up to 13 weeks and 6 days of gestation). * Being able to read, write, and communicate in Turkish. * Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study and providing written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Having a diagnosis of high-risk pregnancy or serious obstetric complications that prevent participation in exercise (e.g., placenta previa, uncontrolled gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, threatened preterm labor requiring bed rest, or cervical insufficiency). * Having a multiple pregnancy. * Having a pregnancy conceived through assisted reproductive techniques (e.g., IVF) or a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (two or more miscarriages). * Having a diagnosed psychiatric disorder (e.g., major depression, anxiety disorder, or psychosis). * Having orthopedic, neurological, cardiovascular, or chronic respiratory diseases that prevent participation in light exercise or laughter yoga. * Having a history of alcohol or substance use during pregnancy. * Having a fetal anomaly or intrauterine growth restriction detected by ultrasonography. * Having previously participated in laughter yoga sessions. * Regularly participating in structured psychoeducation, psychological support programs, or complementary mind-body practices that may affect pregnancy symptoms, stress, anxiety, or relaxation levels during the study period (e.g., prenatal yoga, meditation, mindfulness, hypnobirthing, or progressive muscle relaxation exercises). * Having a history of abdominal surgery associated with ongoing complications or physical limitations that may prevent safe participation in the interventions.
Where it's running
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Çankırı State Hospital
Çankırı, Çankırı, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Havva TOKGÖZ KEKEÇ, phD Student
- Email: havvatokgoz9142@gmail.com
- Phone: 05061550317
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.