Effectiveness of Biofeedback as a Tool to Reduce the Perception of Labour Pain among Primigravidas: Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Labour pain is the most undesirable and unpleasant aspect of experience during childbirth. It is a challenging issue for nurses designing intervention protocols. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the effect of biofeedback on the perception of pain during labour among labouring women. Methodology: A quasi-experimental design with random assignment was utilized in this investigation. Fifty subjects were assigned into either biofeedback (n=25) or control group (n=25). Participants’ levels of pain were measured utilizing the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and the behavioural rating scale (BRS) for pain. The control group was provided with the usual standard routine of care, while the biofeedback group was provided with the usual standard routine of care and was exposed to biofeedback therapy throughout the labour. Results: Findings revealed that those in the biofeedback group had statistically significant reduction in reported pain levels compared to those in control group [VAS (t=2.85, p=0.0064) and BRS (t=5.2, p=0.0001)]. Conclusion: The study showed that biofeedback therapy during labour can reduce pain and it can be used as a part of routine care for women during labour.