Effect of Finger Handheld Relaxation Techniques on Cesarean Section Pain, Physical Activity and Quality of Sleep among Puerperal Women

Abd El Aliem, Rehab Soliman; Mostafa, Shimaa Ahmed; Ali, Fatma Kamal

doi:10.21608/ejnsr.2025.426482.1465

Effect of Finger Handheld Relaxation Techniques on Cesarean Section Pain, Physical Activity and Quality of Sleep among Puerperal Women

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assisstant professor of obstetrics and gynecological nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University

² Assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecological nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Kafrelsheikh University

10.21608/ejnsr.2025.426482.1465

Abstract

Background: Finger-handheld relaxation is recognized as an effective method to reduce pain perception and
improve sleep quality. Aim: The present study aimed to assess the effect of finger-handheld relaxation techniques
on post-cesarean section pain and sleep quality among puerperal women. Design: A quasi-experimental design was
utilized, including both study and control groups with pre- and post-assessment. Sample: The study included a
purposive sample of 80 women. Setting: The research was carried out at the outpatient clinic of the Obstetrics and
Gynecology Department and in the postnatal ward of Benha University Hospital. Tools: Data were collected using
a structured interview questionnaire, the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, and the Physical Activity
Limitation Questionnaire. Results After three hours of intervention, the study group exhibited a significant
decrease in mean pain scores compared with the control group (P ≤ 0.05). Similarly, after six hours, the study
group reported significantly lower mean sleep quality scores than the control group (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Finger-
handheld relaxation techniques significantly reduced pain intensity and physical activity limitation in the study
group at both three and six hours following the intervention (P ≤ 0.05, P ≤ 0.001). In addition, sleep quality
markedly improved among women in the study group compared with the control group (P = 0.01).
Recommendations: Postnatal women should be encouraged to use finger-handheld relaxation as an easy and
effective approach to alleviate pain intensity.

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