Abstract
Massage and Maternal Anxiety (MAMA) study; a pilot study
Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives, Vol.35, p.24
09/2022
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Abstract
Background
Anxiety during pregnancy can have an adverse effect on the health of both the mother and baby. Partner-delivered relaxation massage may be an effective intervention to support perinatal mental health.
Objectives
To measure the feasibility and acceptability of partner-delivered relaxation massage compared to an active control (self-help program) for managing mild anxiety during pregnancy.
Methods
A feasibility RCT was conducted with low-risk pregnant women up to 32 weeks gestation. Women with self-reported mild anxiety were randomly allocated to a relaxation massage program (intervention) or a self-directed stress-management program (control). Following a two-hour workshop, participants independently undertook the assigned interventions for 4 to 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was feasibility (recruitment, attrition, and adherence), and secondary outcomes included maternal anxiety, depression, and stress (DASS21); birth outcomes; and safety. Participants’ experiences were captured through interviews at 4-6 following birth.
Results
A total of 44 women were randomized to either the intervention or control group. 27 (61.4%) women attended the workshops; fourteen (51.9%) participated in the relaxation massage program and thirteen (48.1%) in the self-directed stress management program. The massage intervention was carried out once weekly on average, and up to twice weekly closer to birth. Symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression significantly decreased over time, with no significant differences between groups. Birth outcomes were comparable between the groups. Women reported a benefit from massage of 77.7±15.1 on a 100 mm visual analogue scale, and qualitative interviews with the women showed high satisfaction.
Conclusion
The main barriers included slow recruitment and initial high attrition. Once women attended the interventions they were highly satisfied with the intervention. However, the massage program was not superior to a self-directed stress management program. Overall a partner-delivered massage intervention appears to be feasible and safe.
Details
- Title
- Massage and Maternal Anxiety (MAMA) study; a pilot study
- Creators
- Helen Hall - Federation UniversityRomy Lauche - Southern Cross UniversityNiki Munk - Indiana University – Purdue University IndianapolisCarolina Weller - Monash UniversitySara Holton - Deakin UniversityMs Beth Carr - Monash University
- Publication Details
- Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives, Vol.35, p.24
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Identifiers
- 991013075902202368
- Academic Unit
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Abstract