Stress Ball Intervention During Active Labor

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effects of a stress ball intervention during the active phase of labor on maternal pain, childbirth comfort, self-efficacy, and labor progress. Labor pain is a multidimensional experience influenced not only by physiological factors but also by psychological processes such as coping and perceived control. Simple non-pharmacological methods may support women's ability to manage contractions during labor. Participants in the intervention group use a stress ball during uterine contractions throughout the active phase of labor, while the control group receives routine midwifery care. Pain intensity is measured at predefined cervical dilatation levels using a visual analog scale. Childbirth comfort and general self-efficacy are assessed before and after birth. Labor progress parameters, including contraction characteristics and fetal heart rate, are also monitored. The study aims to determine whether stress ball use improves women's experience of labor without negatively affecting physiological labor progress.

NCT Number	NCT07451834
Lead Sponsor	KTO Karatay University
Conditions	Labor Pain, Pain Management, Maternal Self-Efficacy
Enrollment	78 participants
Start Date	2025-01-30
Primary Completion	2025-11-30 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-02-28 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-03-10