The effects of shiatsu on post-term pregnancy

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

“…25,41 Two studies explained the bilateral sustained pressure used on the acupoint was adapted to reach each participant's pain threshold. 33,35 However, the study by Ingram et al was the only one in which participants selfadministered the acupressure points while awaiting the onset of labour. Hjelmstedt et al 45 explained that for consistency, the same person administered acupressure or the placebo touch but no further detail on amount of pressure was provided.…”

“…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. 39 Chung et al 19 did not clarify whether written consent was obtained.…”

“…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.…”

“…This was a pilot non-randomised controlled trial. 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.…”

“…39 Chung et al 19 did not clarify whether written consent was obtained. Ingram et al 33 obtained permission from consultant obstetricians to conduct their pilot study and the relevant healthcare trust approved trained midwives to employ acupressure in clinical practice.…”