Using reflexology to relieve pain during episiotomy repair
The Effect of Reflexology on Perceived Perineal Pain During Episiotomy Repair.
This study is testing if reflexology can help reduce pain for women during episiotomy repair after vaginal childbirth.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Kocaeli University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Kocaeli and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06484309 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of reflexology in reducing perceived perineal pain during episiotomy repair in women who have given birth vaginally. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a reflexology group or a control group, with a total of 80 participants planned for recruitment. The study will take place at Darıca Farabi Training and Research Hospital between July and December 2024. Data will be collected through surveys to assess pain levels and other relevant factors.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy primiparous women aged 18-35 who have undergone a spontaneous vaginal birth with a medial lateral episiotomy.
Not a fit: Patients with obstetric complications, significant lacerations, or those requiring extensive anesthesia during repair may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a nonpharmacological method for pain relief during episiotomy repair, enhancing patient comfort.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific application of reflexology in this context may be novel, other studies have shown positive outcomes with nonpharmacological pain relief methods.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Able to read and write, * Those who have sufficient mental health to fill out the survey form, * Between the ages of 18-35, * Primiparous, * At term gestational age (37-42 weeks), * Having spontaneous birth with medial lateral episiotomy, * The baby is healthy (does not require intervention or treatment), * Participants who volunteered to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Those with visual, hearing or perception impairments, * Having obstetric complications, * Those who are allergic to anesthetic drugs and latex, * Those with vaginal anomalies and signs of infection, * Those with lacerations other than episiotomy (anal sphincter injury or 3rd or 4th degree laceration), * Having an episiotomy smaller than 2 cm and larger than 4 cm, * If the newborn is unhealthy or stillborn, * Having a newborn who needs oxygen support, * Possible bleeding or bleeding, * Participants requiring large amounts of anesthesia during episiotomy repair.
Where this trial is running
Kocaeli and 1 other locations
- Darica Farabi Training and Research Hospital — Kocaeli, Turkey (Recruiting)
- Kocaeli University — Kocaeli, Turkey (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sena Dilek Aksoy, Ph.D.
- Email: sena.dilek@kocaeli.edu.tr
- Phone: +902623031000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.