The Effect of Progressive Relaxation Exercise

Launched by KARABUK UNIVERSITY · Jul 24, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a special childbirth preparation program that includes relaxation exercises can help pregnant women feel more comfortable during labor, influence their choice of delivery method, and improve their early breastfeeding experience. The program provides participants with an educational booklet, an audio CD guiding them through relaxation exercises, and face-to-face training sessions. Women in the study who do not receive this program will continue with their usual prenatal care. The goal is to see if learning these relaxation techniques can make labor less painful and support women in their decisions and postpartum comfort.

Women who are pregnant, between 18 and 49 years old, and able to attend the training sessions regularly may be eligible to join. Participants must not have any pregnancy or health complications and should be willing to take part fully in the study. Those who have certain medical conditions, have practiced similar relaxation techniques before, or are taking certain medications won’t be eligible. If accepted, participants will be guided through the relaxation exercises and monitored throughout their pregnancy to understand how this approach might help with labor pain and breastfeeding comfort.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Female participants aged between 18 and 49 years
• • Currently pregnant
• • Willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent
• • Able to attend the planned training sessions regularly
• • No complications during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum for themselves or their newborn
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Not within the age range of 18-49
• • Not currently pregnant
• • Fails to complete study questionnaires or withdraws from the study
• • Has communication difficulties or cognitive impairment
• • Fails to attend training sessions regularly
• • Has open wounds or allergic skin conditions
• • Develops postpartum complications (e.g., bleeding, infection, fever)
• • Has cardiac arrhythmia or uses a pacemaker
• • Diagnosed with conditions such as epilepsy or pre-eclampsia
• • Has kidney or liver disease
• • Previously practiced progressive muscle relaxation techniques
• • Is morbidly obese (BMI \> 40)
• • Uses chronic opioids, antidepressants, or psychoactive medications