This study aims to investigate the effects of PT intervention on delivery outcomes, particularly in relation to labor duration and the degree of perineal tears.This study aims to investigate the effects of PT intervention on delivery outcomes, particularly in relation to labor duration and the degree of perineal tears.
Thirty primiparas who received PT interventions at our hospital between April 2023 and April 2024 and delivered vaginally were selected as the PT intervention group (PT group), while another 30 primiparas who delivered during the same period without PT intervention were chosen as the control group (C group). Data were collected from delivery records, including labor duration and the degree of perineal tears (Grade I to IV) for both groups: PT group (mean age: 34.0 ± 4.6 years, gestational age: 38.7 ± 0.9 weeks) and C group (mean age: 33.1 ± 4.4 years, gestational age: 38.9 ± 1.0 weeks). Labor duration was categorized into two groups: less than 12 hours and more than 12 hours. Perineal tears were classified as first-degree tears or second-degree tears and higher. A chi-square test was used to assess statistical significance, and effect sizes (φ) and odds ratios were calculated to compare the two groups. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS (version 28), with the significance level set at 5%. The study was approved by the Tokyo Kita Medical Center Bioethics Committee (Approval No. 432).
1. Labor duration in the PT group vs. C group was less than 12 hours for 20 vs. 24 women, and more than 12 hours for 10 vs. 6 women, respectively.
2. Perineal tears in the PT group vs. C group were first-degree tears in 9 vs. 1 woman, and second-degree tears or higher in 21 vs. 29 women, respectively.
3. There was no significant difference in labor duration between the groups (p=0.24).
4. The incidence of perineal tears was significantly lower in the PT group (effect size φ=0.35, odds ratio 12.42, p0.05).
Although there was no significant difference in labor duration between the groups, the degree of perineal tearing was significantly lower in the PT group. It is suggested that PT-led breathing guidance helps gradually stretch the perineum during labor, allowing the PFM to stretch sufficiently while increasing abdominal pressure, thereby preventing excessive perineal tears after childbirth.
The study suggests that learning breathing techniques through PT intervention during pregnancy can help prevent perineal tears during delivery.
perineal tears
pelvic floor muscles
