# Back massage as an approach to reduce labor anxiety in primigravida mothers

**Authors:** Soma Bepari, Siva Subramanian N., Mahalakshmi B.

PMC · DOI: 10.6026/973206300213502 · 2025-10-31

## TL;DR

This study shows that back massage during labor can reduce anxiety and shorten labor time for first-time mothers.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the effectiveness of effleurage back massage in reducing anxiety and labor duration in primigravida mothers.

## Key findings

- The experimental group had significantly reduced anxiety scores (p < 0.001).
- The experimental group experienced shorter mean labor duration.
- Effleurage massage is a simple and effective intervention for improving labor outcomes.

## Abstract

Effleurage massage is a gentle, rhythmic technique that may promote relaxation and reduce psychological distress during labor is of
interest. Therefore, it is of interest to assess the effectiveness of effleurage back massage on reducing anxiety and labor duration
among 180 primigravida mothers in Bharuch, Gujarat. The findings showed a significant reduction in anxiety scores and shorter mean labor
duration in the experimental group (p < 0.001). Data shows that effleurage massage is a simple, effective intervention to improve
psychological well-being and labor outcomes. It may be recommended as part of intrapartum nursing care for first-time mothers.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** anxiety (MESH:D001007)

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12859344