O384 Acupressure to reduce labour pain – A randomized controlled trial

Impact of acupressure on onset of labour and labour duration: A systematic review

“…Three RCTs did not report whether they performed an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis but it was apparent that this was done. 22,34,36 Hjelmstedt et al 35 included the CONSORT flowchart with participant numbers for allocation and analysis showing an ITT. An ITT analysis was not undertaken by two studies.…”

“…19,20 Sample sizes ranged from 66 33 to 212. 35 The method used to determine sample size was not included in six of the seven studies. Hjelmstedt et al 35 estimated power on the principle outcome of labour pain based on outcomes of the study by Lee et al 40 and calculated a sample size of 70 women per group.…”

“…The seven studies reviewed constitute a diverse international perspective on this topic including research from the UK, 33 Iran, 22,34 India, 35 Egypt, 36 Taiwan 19 and Korea. 20 There was only one study found on the use of acupressure to initiate uterine contractions.…”

“…33 Six studies were RCTs on labour duration and/or pain relief conducted between 2003 and 2013. 19,20,22,[34][35][36] The six RCTs were evaluated to determine their contribution to the evidence base by applying the CONSORT RCT guidelines checklist for non-pharmacologic treatment [NPT] 37 ; and the TREND statement checklist 38 was used for the one non-randomised study. 33 …”

“…20,22,35 Two studies did not explain whether study information was provided to eligible participants, nor outline the consent process or confirm ethics committee approval. 33,34 However a subsequent commentary by Kashanian clarified that written consent had been obtained from their study participants and acknowledged the research was supported by the University and supplied the project number.…”