Fatemeh Torkian, Mahboubeh Valiani, Zahra Sadat Allameh,
Volume 29, Issue 2 (7-2023)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Establishing effective communication and forming a strong attachment with a newborn baby are crucial tasks during the postpartum period. The bond between mother and baby has a profound impact on the child's well-being, as well as the mother's health. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of auriculotherapy on the mother-infant attachment.
Methods & Materials: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted between March 2021 and September 2022 on a sample of 106 pregnant women who referred to the maternity ward of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Isfahan for normal vaginal delivery. The participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which received auriculotherapy in addition to routine care, or the control group, which received only routine care. Auriculotherapy involved the stimulation of specific acupuncture points including oxytocin, uterus, Shen Men, thalamic, lung 1, and lung 2. Data collection was carried out using a checklist of demographic characteristics and the Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 26, employing independent t-test, paired t-test, exact Fisher's test, and chi-square test. A significance level of P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The results showed that there was no statistically significant differences observed in demographic variables between the intervention and control groups (P>0.05). However, the mean score of attachment after delivery in the auriculotherapy group was significantly higher compared to the control group (P=0.004).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it has been determined that auriculotherapy exhibits the potential to enhance maternal attachment to the baby. Given its ease of use and non-invasive nature, it is strongly recommended to consider incorporating auriculotherapy as an intervention to improve mother-baby attachment during the postpartum period.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20091219002889N12
Seyedeh Maryam Seyedi, Soheila Bakhtiari, Mahboubeh Valiani,
Volume 31, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Back pain is highly prevalent among operating room technologists, and conventional treatments—such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs—are often associated with adverse long-term side effects. This study aims to evaluate the effect of Tuinatherapy massage with chamomile oil extract on the severity of back pain in female operating room technologists.
Methods & Materials: This double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial included 105 female operating room technologists selected via convenience sampling from several hospitals in Isfahan. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups of 35 individuals each: (1) Tuinatherapy massage with liquid oil supplemented with chamomile oil extract, (2) Tuinatherapy massage with liquid oil alone, and (3) a control group receiving no intervention. The Tuinatherapy massage sessions consisted of 10 sessions, each lasting 20 minutes and conducted every other day. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) both before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc tests.
Results: Significant reductions in pain intensity were observed in groups one and two following the intervention compared to baseline (P<0.001). The control group showed no significant change. Prior to the intervention, there were no significant differences in pain scores among the three groups (P=0.230); however, post-intervention, pain intensity in group one was significantly lower than that in groups two and three (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Tuinatherapy massage effectively reduces back pain severity among female operating room technologists. Moreover, the inclusion of chamomile oil extract enhances this therapeutic effect. As an alternative to pharmacologic treatments, Tuinatherapy massage with chamomile oil may serve as a method for alleviating back pain in this population.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20220725055548N1
