The Brazilian Portuguese version of the Pregnancy Mobility Index: Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation - a validation study.

Background: The Pregnancy Mobility Index (PMI) was developed to assess mobility in pregnant women in the Netherlands. At present, no similar questionnaire is available in Brazil.

Objective: The present study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of a Brazilian PMI.

Applying a physiotherapy protocol to women during the active phase of labor improves obstetrical outcomes: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Labor is a physiological process triggered by mechanical and hormonal events that promote uterine contractions to expel the fetus.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a nonpharmacologic childbirth care protocol in women in the active phase of labor in improving obstetrical and perinatal outcomes.

Study Design: This was a randomized trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding, and intention-to-treat analysis.

Verbal and Visual Feedback Immediately Affect the Electromyographic Activity of Female Pelvic Floor Muscles.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the immediate effect of verbal and visual feedback on pelvic floor muscles (PFM) in nulliparous women without pelvic floor dysfunction.

Methods: In this observational, single-assessor, cross-sectional study, 45 female university students were evaluated using bidigital vaginal palpation and vaginal surface electromyography (EMG). EMG assessments were performed at 2 time points (T1 and T2).

Effects of Auriculotherapy on treatment of women with premenstrual syndrome symptoms: A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of auriculotherapy on the intensity of physical and mood Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.

Design: Single-blind randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Setting: Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil.

Sequential application of non-pharmacological interventions reduces the severity of labour pain, delays use of pharmacological analgesia, and improves some obstetric outcomes: a randomised trial.

Question: Among women in labour, does sequential application of non-pharmacological interventions relieve labour pain, shorten labour, and delay pharmacological analgesia use?

Design: Randomised trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding, and intention-to-treat analysis.

Participants: Eighty women admitted in labour at the end of a low-risk pregnancy.

Intervention: Participants in the experimental group received three interventions for up to 40minutes each in particular stages of labour: exercise on a Swiss ball at 4 to 5cm of cervical dilation; lumbosacral massage at 5 to 6cm dilation; and a warm shower at >7cm dilation.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) reduces pain and postpones the need for pharmacological analgesia during labour: a randomised trial.

Questions: In the active phase of the first stage of labour, does transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) relieve pain or change its location? Does TENS delay the request for neuraxial analgesia during labour? Does TENS produce any harmful effects in the mother or the foetus? Are women in labour satisfied with the care provided?

Design: Randomised trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding for some outcomes, and intention-to-treat analysis.

Participants: Forty-six low-risk, primigravida parturients with a gestational age > 37 weeks, cervical dilation of 4cm, and without the use of any medications from hospital admission until randomisation.

Intervention: The principal investigator applied TENS to the experimental group for 30minutes starting at the beginning of the active phase of labour.

Massage reduced severity of pain during labour: a randomised trial.

Question: Does massage relieve pain in the active phase of labour?

Design: Randomised trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding for some outcomes, and intention-to-treat analysis.

Participants: 46 women pregnant at ≥ 37 weeks gestation with a single fetus, with spontaneous onset of labour, 4-5cm of cervical dilation, intact ovular membranes, and no use of medication after admission to hospital.

Intervention: Experimental group participants received a 30-min lumbar massage by a physiotherapist during the active phase of labour.