Effects of Back Heat Therapy on Maternal Stress and Breasts during the Early Postpartum Period

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K11050
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 58070:Lifelong developmental nursing-related
• Research Institution: Chubu University
• Principal Investigator: YAMASHITA Megumi 中部大学, 生命健康科学部, 講師 (70347425)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 背部温罨法 / 産褥早期 / ストレス / 乳房

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of back heat therapy on stress levels and breasts in nonpregnant, nonlactating women and postpartum mothers. Hypothesis 1: Stress is alleviated by back heat therapy. Hypothesis 2: We worked to test the hypothesis that back heat therapy promotes increased blood circulation in the breasts.
First, a comparative study was conducted among healthy nonpregnant, nonlactating women using a crossover design. This method involved administering back heat therapy and supine rest to the subjects to assess any differential effects. In the second phase of the study, the effects of back heat therapy on stress levels and breasts were evaluated in a cohort of hospitalized postpartum mothers. The results indicate that back heat therapy induces a state of comfort in both nonpregnant, nonlactating women and postpartum mothers and promotes increased blood flow to the breasts following the procedure.

Free Research Field

母性看護学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究方法による温罨法は、簡便性・再現性に優れており誰でも安全に実施できることから、業務量を増やすことなく入院中のルーティンケアに組み込むことが可能であり、多くの褥婦にケアを提供することができる。さらに、褥婦自身が快の状態を実感することができればセルフケア行動が促進され、退院後も褥婦自身による継続が期待できる。短時間であっても質の良い休息を継続して確保することにより褥婦の心身の負担が軽減し、少しでも前向きに育児に取り組めるようになれば、産後うつや虐待のリスク軽減、妊産婦の自殺予防に繋がるのではないかと考える。