Name: Dave Jay S. Manriquez RN.
Subject: Research Process
Time and Date: Saturday 8-11am; October 3, 2009
School: Cebu Normal University
Evaluation: Ice Massage for the Reduction of Labor Pain
Abstract
The abstract is written briefly and clearly. It is very organized. The purpose of the study is clearly stated.
The subjects of the study is mentioned, the instruments used also in the study is mentioned. The procedure and
treatment used in the study is also mentioned. The result is analyze and conclusion made out from the result of
the study whether or not ice massage is safe, noninvasive, and non pharmacological method of reducing labor
pain.
Introduction
The educational importance of the study is clearly explained, the using of ice massage as one of the
complementary alternative medicine in reducing labor pain during contractions is expounded. The researcher’s
assumptions and theoretical perspectives about ice massage in reducing labor pain is also mentioned. They
emphasized more on the efficacy of ice massage in engaging the gate control pain system rather than
eliminating the source of pain. They said that the impulses reaching the spine pathway to the brain are
stimulated by technique such as vibration, scratching, and ice massage, this result to the gate closing, resulting
in a decrease in the sensation of pain. The research studied presented are related to the problem are presented, it
gave examples, and previous studies involving the use of ice massage as one of CAM during the ancient times
in reducing labor pain. The related research is been evaluated and critiqued. A test is made to identify the
effectiveness of the use of ice massage of the energy meridian point, large intestine 4 (L14), during contractions
to reduce the women’s perception of labor pain. The intended research logically extends to the related research
presented. The research is more kind of a quantitative research. It involves a number of respondents, to test the
effectiveness of using ice massage in reducing labor pain. The independent and dependent variables are easily
identified. The use of ice massage of the acupressure energy meridian point large intestine 4 (L14) is the
independent variable while the, to reduce labor pain during contractions is the dependent variable. The key
terms used or the variables are defined clearly in the study. Although this study has a part of a qualitative
research for the treatment of the study mentioned a verbal response to measure labor pains using the McGill
Pain Questionnaire.
Methods
The group size was not predetermined; they recruit as many subjects as possible within a 12 month
period. The target populations are suitable for the test, they are been screened very well. The subjects are very
appropriate for the research design. The instrument use in the study is a one-group, pretest, posttest design. The
instrument used is appropriate for the study. The instruments used can be valid for collecting data on the
variables in the study. The instruments used in the study present a realistic sample of student’s learning because
it presents new information that to able to identify the effectiveness of ice massage to reduce labor pain it must
be statistically tested based on the experiments done and testimonies from the subjects who experience it. In the
study the research design and data collection procedures are clearly described. A pre-test was taken, then after
40 minutes a posttest 1 followed immediately to reduce threats of validity and after 24 hours a posttest 2 is
given using a MPQ verbal rating scale. Treatments are fully explained, to rank numerically and verbally to
measures pain levels.
Results
The statistical procedure used for data analysis is clearly described. The statistical procedure used is
appropriate for the quantitative research design. The procedures are free from the influence of extraneous
variables. There is no threat in the validity of the study, subjects are properly screened, procedures are followed
properly and treatments are well explained. The statistical significance levels was indicated, it is very effective

for this type of research design. The research has a practical significant as an complementary alternative
medicine in decreasing labor pain.
Discussion
It was concluded that ice massage can really decrease the sensation of labor pain only at the early part of
labor but as labor progresses, labor pain grow closer together and more intense. The conclusion is not so
inappropriate to the expected result because many of the participants prefer more the use of narcotics drugs than
continuing the use of ice massage, some even prefer to be augmented and even some resulted to cesarean birth.
Although the use of ice massage is a safe, noninvasive procedure and can be added as a tool to midwives and
nurses, the test result was still inappropriate, as a result of this a further research about this technique is
warranted.