Abstract

A causal-comparative, study was done in a university hospital using twelve subjects to determine if the "unprepared" patient could learn and carry out abdominal breathing during contractions. It was hypothesized that the "unprepared" patient in early labor could be taught and could carry out deep slow abdominal breathing during uterine contractions with decreased skeletal muscle tension as measured by an electromyograph.

Two tools were used for data collection, (1) a portable electro myograph to obtain an objective evaluation of the effect of abdominal breathing upon skeletal muscle relaxation; and (2) a supplementary data sheet for the collection of identifying material pertinent to each patient to be used in the descriptive analysis. It was found to be impossible to analyze the data statistically. A descriptive analysis was selected in which representative tracings of skeletal muscle tension and breathing patterns during two contractions, one before the breathing technique was taught and one following the teaching, were selected by the researchers and presented in the study.

A summary table showing the change in skeletal muscle tension and the ability to carry out the breathing technique is included. From this analysis it is impossible to either accept or reject the hypothesis. Recommendations for further study would include comparing the effectiveness of the breathing technique when taught before labor and when taught in early labor. It is suggested for nursing practice that patients be taught abdominal breathing as early as possible in labor.

LLU Discipline

Nursing

Department

Nursing

School

Graduate School

First Advisor

Clarice J. Woodward

Second Advisor

Ethel C. Walls

Third Advisor

Clarence Dail

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

1968

Date (Title Page)

6-1968

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Labor; Relaxation Techniques; Breathing Exercises

Type

Thesis

Page Count

vi; 63

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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