The effect of using Trascutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) in acupuncture points (Hegu [LI-4] and Sanyinjiao [Sp-6]) on labor pain reduction

A. Aghamohammadi, M. Zafari, M. Tofighi

Abstract: Labor pain is one of the most important factors which increases mother’s anxiety. This study has been performed with aim of assessing the efficiency of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on specific acupuncture points to reduce the labor pain. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial study, we assigned 64 nulliparous women, randomly who were in the active phase of the first labor stage. According to TENS on four acupuncture points (Hegu [LI-4] and Sanyinjiao [Sp-6]) (n = 32) or the Sham TENS (n = 32). Based on selecting and omitting conditions, the data were chosen as goal-oriented. Then, they were randomly assigned in two groups in the way that women were distributed by chance through their recorded even and odd numbers in their registration form. The first stage of labor pain was assessed in two groups. Finally, data was analyzed by SPSS (T-test and χ2). TENS application on acupuncture points resulted in a significantly better pain relief than that of TENS placebo (p0.0001). TENS group decreased the need for labor augmentation. ( 16(50%) in TENS and 25(78.1%) in TENS placebo group , P=0.019). TENS used on acupuncture points can be used as a non-drug method to reduce labor pain without any immediate observed side effects on mother and fetus.
Keywords: TENS, acupuncture points, labor pain