The Development and Validation of An Activity Monitoring System for Use in Measurement of Posture of Childbearing Women During First Stage of Labor. (20th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martin, Caroline J. Hollins; Kenney, Laurence; Pratt, Thomas; Granat, Malcolm H.
• Is Part Of: Journal of midwifery & women's health. Volume 60:Number 2(2015:Mar./Apr.)
• Page Start: 182
• Page End: 186
• Publication Date: 2015-01-20
• Subjects: ActivPAL -- birth -- first stage -- movement -- posture; Midwives -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Women's health services -- Periodicals; 618.2
• DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.12230
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1526-9523

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: There is limited understanding of the type and extent of maternal postures that midwives should encourage or support during labor. The aims of this study were to identify a set of postures and movements commonly seen during labor, to develop an activity monitoring system for use during labor, and to validate this system design. Methods: Volunteer student midwives simulated maternal activity during labor in a laboratory setting. Participants (N = 15) wore monitors adhered to the left thigh and left shank, and adopted 13 common postures of laboring women for 3 minutes each. Simulated activities were recorded using a video camera. Postures and movements were coded from the video, and statistical analysis conducted of agreement between coded video data and outputs of the activity monitoring system. Results: Excellent agreement between the 2 raters of the video recordings was found (Cohen's κ = 0.95). Both sensitivity and specificity of the activity monitoring system were greater than 80% for standing, lying, kneeling, and sitting (legs dangling). Discussion: This validated system can be used to measure elected activity of laboring women and report on effects of postures on length of first stage, pain experience, birth satisfaction, and neonatal condition. This validated maternal posture‐monitoring system is available as a reference—and for use by researchers who wish to develop research in this area.