The Effect of Ice Massage Applied to the SP6 Point on Labor Pain, Labor Comfort, Labor Duration, and Anxiety: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction Acupressure and cold application are nonpharmacologic methods that midwives can use for labor pain. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of ice massage applied to the SP6 acupressure point during labor on labor pain, labor comfort, labor duration, and anxiety. Methods A single‐masked, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 100 nulliparous women, including 50 in the intervention group and 50 in the control group. Rotational ice massage was applied to the SP6 point on both legs of the pregnant women in the intervention group at 4 to 5 cm, 6 to 7 cm, and 8 to 9 cm dilation amounts during 3 contractions. Routine oxytocin was administered to all pregnant women to promote progress of labor. Standard midwifery care was provided to the control group. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a partograph form, the Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire (CCQ), and the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory State subscale. Result The VAS pain scores of the pregnant women in the intervention group were significantly lower compared with the control group following the intervention at dilatations of 4 to 5 cm, 6 to 7 cm, and 8 to 9 cm (P = .001, P = .003, P