The Effectiveness of the Rebozo Technique in Reducing Labor Pain Intensity During the Active Phase of Stage I: A Quasi-Experimental Study at an Independent Midwifery Practice

Abstract

Background: Labor pain during the active phase of stage I is a significant physiological challenge affecting up to 90% of laboring women, contributing to maternal distress, anxiety, and increased risk of operative delivery. Non-pharmacological interventions represent an expanding area of evidence-based midwifery practice.

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of the rebozo technique in reducing labor pain intensity during the active phase of stage I labor among women delivering at an Independent Midwifery Practice (Bidan Praktek Mandiri/BPM) in Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, Indonesia, 2026.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design was conducted. Sixteen women in active labor (cervical dilation 4–7 cm) were allocated by purposive sampling to an intervention group (n=8) receiving the rebozo technique for 3–10 minutes per contraction, and a control group (n=8) receiving standard midwifery care. Pain intensity was assessed using the Bourbanis Pain Scale (0–10). Statistical analysis employed the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test and Mann-Whitney U Test (α=0.05). Ethical clearance was obtained (No. 1785/F/KEP/USM/III/2026, Universitas Sari Mutiara Indonesia)

Result: The intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in mean pain scores from 3.75 (SD=0.88) to 2.12 (SD=0.64) post-intervention (p=0.000). The control group experienced pain escalation from 4.0 (SD=0.92) to 4.75 (SD=0.46) (p=0.000). A significant between-group difference in post-intervention pain intensity was confirmed by Mann-Whitney U Test (p=0.000).

Conclusion: The rebozo technique effectively reduces active phase I labor pain intensity and warrants integration into standard non-pharmacological midwifery care protocols.