Effects of acupressure on pain and first mobilisation distance after caesarean section: A double-blind randomised controlled study

Background

Postoperative pain is one of the most common problems after caesarean section (CS). Pain reduction and effective mobilisation after CS positively affect maternal and infant health.

Aim

This study aimed to determine the effects of acupressure applied to women after CS on pain intensity and first mobilisation distance.

Methods

The sample of this prospective, two-armed (1:1), double-blind randomised controlled clinical trial consisted of 64 women undergoing CS (32 acupressure and 32 placebo acupressure group). The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, independent-groups t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, repeated-measures two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and simple main-effects analysis.

Results

Findings showed statistically significant group effects (F = 19.32, p<.001), time effects (F = 27.67, p<.001), and group- and time-interaction effects (F = 26.60, p<.001) on postoperative pain after CS. In the acupressure group, the VAS scores were lower at 1 min, 2 h and 4 h after the intervention compared to before the intervention (p<.001; p<.001; p=.001, respectively). In the placebo group, the VAS score at 1 min after the application decreased, increasing at 2 h and 4 h, but these changes were not significant (p>.05). The first mobilisation distance of the acupressure group was significantly longer than that of the placebo group (p<.001).

Conclusion

Acupressure applied to the SP6, P6 and LI4 points was an effective nursing intervention for pain control and mobilisation after CS. Considering the significant impact of pain after CS on maternal and infant health, nurses should include acupressure, which is easy to apply, cost-effective, and efficacious, in postpartum care.