Biofeedback for pain management during labor

Author: Marcela Barragán, BSc in Physiotherapy-Kinesiology, Dpl. in Neuroscience, Cochrane UK Systematic Reviewer, Master in Research Methodology in Sciences

Cell. 591-70639452

Email: barragan.marcela.mbl@gmail.com

Abstract: The childbirth process often involves significant pain and discomfort, leading to the exploration of non-pharmacological approaches for its control. In this context, biofeedback, a technique that enables individuals to regulate physiological responses through electronic devices, has emerged as a potential tool to alleviate pain during childbirth. This article provides a thorough review of the efficacy of biofeedback in this area, based on evidence from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Introduction: Childbirth, a natural process, can be accompanied by intense pain and discomfort. While pharmacological interventions are common for pain relief, non-pharmacological approaches have gained relevance for their potential benefits. Biofeedback, by allowing individuals to monitor and control involuntary physiological processes such as pain perception, aims to empower individuals to modulate their responses and alleviate pain.

Methods: This review relied on data from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to assess the efficacy of biofeedback in pain management during childbirth. The methodological quality and relevance of the included studies were analyzed, focusing on key outcomes such as pain intensity, satisfaction with pain relief, and maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Results: Several studies exploring the use of biofeedback for pain management during childbirth were identified. While some reported positive effects on pain perception and coping strategies, the overall evidence did not conclusively support the efficacy of biofeedback in this context. Limitations in study design, variability in biofeedback modalities, and the need for larger, controlled clinical trials for future research were highlighted.

Risk of Bias in the Included Studies: The main limitation found when assessing the risk of bias in the included studies was the lack of necessary information to substantiate planned judgments on this risk (see Figure 1 and Figure 2).

Figure 1. Risk of bias graph: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies.

 

Figure 2. Risk of bias summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study.

Discussion: Despite mixed findings, biofeedback holds potential as a complement to traditional methods of pain relief during childbirth. Standardizing biofeedback protocols, conducting robust clinical trials, and evaluating long-term outcomes are suggested to clarify its role in the childbirth experience.

Conclusion: In summary, biofeedback emerges as a non-pharmacological alternative for pain management during childbirth, although its effectiveness is not fully supported by current evidence. More research is advocated to better understand the potential benefits of biofeedback on maternal well-being and childbirth outcomes.

References:

• Barragán Loayza IM, Solà I, Juandó Prats C. Biofeedback for pain management during labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 6. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006168.pub2. Enlace: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006168.pub2/full
• Rosenfeld I. Dr. Rosenfeld's Guide to Alternative Medicine. New York: Random House, 1996.
• Simmons SW, Cyna AM, Dennis AT, Hughes D. Combined spinal-epidural versus epidural analgesia in labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 3. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003401.pub2.
• Ullman R, Smith LA, Burns E, Mori R, Dowswell T. Parenteral opioids for maternal pain relief in labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 9. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007396.pub2.

For more information, please contact Marcela Barragán via email at barragan.marcela.mbl@gmail.com or by phone at 591-70639452.