THE EFFECTS OF A CONDITIONED RELAXATION-IMAGERY TRAINING PROGRAM ON PREGNANT WOMEN AT-RISK FOR PRETERM LABOR.
Contributors: University of San Francisco.
Published: 1990
Number of pages: 288
Subjects: Education, Health.; Health Sciences, Nursing.; Health Sciences, Education.
Description: This innovative study investigated use of educational methods to reduce preterm birth in high-risk pregnant women. Specifically, the study tested effects of a relaxation-imagery training program and a conditioned stimulus on uterine contractions and anxiety. The study focused on eight pregnant women diagnosed with preterm labor (PTL) whose condition was managed in the home setting with electronic monitoring, bedrest, and with or without drugs.

A single subject multiple baseline design with followup was used. Phase A established baseline; phase B and C constituted the treatment. In phase B, four women (Group 1) were individually instructed in relaxation and imagery, first delivered by a nurse-educator then by a relaxation-imagery audiotape. The other four women (Group 2) received the same training except that the audiotape was designed to condition a stimulus, a heart-shaped charm on a chain. Phase C tested maintenance of relaxation results without use of audiotape or charm for Group 1 and with charm for Group 2. Followup phase assessed each subject's gestational age and newborn birth weight after delivery.

Each subject's contraction and anxiety intensity data were assessed against baseline. Nageotte's et al. (1988) third trimester contraction frequency trend line was used for assessing subject's contraction frequency data.

Outcomes were examined by three repeated measures of effect: (a) self-reported contraction frequency (b) self-reported contraction intensity on a Likert scale from 1-3; and (c) self-reported anxiety on a Likert scale from 0-5. A registered nurse questionnaire, post relaxation questionnaire and portable electronic monitor provided additional information.

Individual results showed six out of eight subjects' contraction frequency ratings stabilizing or falling below the contraction frequency trend line norm over time. Contraction and anxiety intensity ratings decreased for three and four of the subjects respectively. Total group gestational age and newborn weight averaged 38.11 $\pm$ 1.79 weeks and 7.09 $\pm$ 0.93 pounds respectively. Relaxation reportedly increased subject control over contractions, anxiety, stress, and pregnancy/labor discomforts in varying degrees. No distinction could be made between groups with or without a charm.

Results supported previous studies that showed relaxation, with other PTL interventions, contributed towards maintaining pregnancy. This preliminary study generated a fertile area for future educational research.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 51-05, Section: A, page: 1513.

Thesis (ED.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO, 1990.

School code: 6019.
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