Feasibility Study for a Randomized Controlled Trial of Aromatherapy Footbath for Stimulating Onset of Labor in Term Pregnant Women
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15512102 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Yuriko Tadokoro (0000-0002-4074-4683, Tokyo Health Care University, corresponding author), Kaori Takahata (0000-0002-8141-3354, Shonan University of Medical Sciences) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Pages | 950-950 |
| Publication date | 2025-06-17 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601 |
| Publisher | Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3390/ijerph22060950 |
| PMID | 40566376 |
| OpenAlex | W4411367392 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 42 |
We evaluated the feasibility of a new research methodology designed for conducting a future, large-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT). This future RCT is aimed at evaluating the effects of repeated aromatherapy footbaths on stimulating the onset of labor. Herein, we conducted a pilot RCT with two arms among low-risk pregnant women at or beyond 39 weeks of gestation before labor onset. These two arms consisted of a treatment group performing aromatherapy footbaths twice a day (n = 7) and a usual care group (n = 8). This study was prospectively registered in the Clinical Trials Registry of the University Hospital Medical Information Network in Japan (UMIN000037398). Feasibility was assessed across the domains of acceptability , demand , implementation , practicality , process , resources , and management using questionnaires, researcher records, and semi-structured interviews with the treatment group and midwives at the setting facility. The new research methodology was found to be feasible, although challenges were identified in the process and implementation . For process , the research participation rate was 55.5%. For implementation , the adherence rate among the multiparous participants in the treatment group ranged from 50% to 94%. An imbalance between both groups was found. Areas that need careful planning and methodological improvements include random allocation, treatment method, and participation criteria
Alternative medicine · Aromatherapy · Clinical trial · Physical therapy · Randomized controlled trial · Treatment and control groups · Delphi Technique in Research · Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum · Medicine · Nursing · Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies · Surgery
The role and interpretation of pilot studies in clinical research
How We Design Feasibility Studies
Design and analysis of pilot studies
A tutorial on pilot studies
A Feasibility Study of the My Strengths Training for LifeTM (MST4LifeTM) Program for Young People Experiencing Homelessness
Changes in Salivary Oxytocin Level of Term Pregnant Women after Aromatherapy Footbath for Spontaneous Labor Onset
The Feasibility of Make My Day—A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial of a Stroke Prevention Program in Primary Healthcare
Feasibility of an Intervention for Patients with Cognitive Impairment Using an Interactive Digital Calendar with Mobile Phone Reminders (RemindMe) to Improve the Performance of Activities in Everyday Life
Feasibility of Remote Delivering an Exercise and Lifestyle Education Program for Individuals Living with Prediabetes and Diabetes in Brazil
Rehabilitation Outcomes Following Hip Fracture of Home-Based Exercise Interventions Using a Wearable Device—A Randomized Controlled Pilot and Feasibility Study
| Highly cited | No |
|---|