The effect of Valsalva maneuver in attenuating skin puncture pain during spinal anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Valsalva maneuver reduces pain by activating sinoaortic baroreceptor reflex arc. We planned this study to evaluate the role of valsalva in attenuating spinal needle-puncture pain.

Methods: Ninety American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade I and II enrolled patients undergoing elective surgery were randomized into 3 groups of 30 each.