2.2.1 The first stage of labour
2.2.1.1 VAS score in latent phase and active phase Four studies
assessed the VAS score in the latent and active phase of labour. We
adopted a random effect model, because heterogeneity between the studies
was observed (p <0.01; I2=99%, 96%).
Pooled analysis of the 4 studies showed that VAS score in auricular
acupressure groups was significantly lower than the controls during
latent phase (MD=-2.56, 95%CI: [-4.26,0.86], p =0.003).
However, there were no significant differences in active phase (Figure
4). Sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were robust.
2.2.1.2 Maternal satisfaction in latent phase Three studies
reported maternal satisfaction in latent phase. There was no
between-study heterogeneity (I²=0%), so a fixed effect model was
conducted. The pooled analysis indicated that satisfaction rate in the
auricular acupressure groups was significantly higher than in the
control groups (RR=1.29, 95%CI [1.18, 1.41],p <0.05) (Figure 5). Sensitivity analysis indicated that
the results were robust.
2.2.1.3 Duration of the first stage of labour Pooled analysis of
the 6 studies that reported duration of the first stage of labour showed
a significant reduction in duration of the first stage when participants
were treated with auricular acupressure compared with the controls
(MD=-1.24, 95%CI [-1.86, -0.61, p <0.05]), with
significant between-study heterogeneity (I2=97%)
(Figure 6). Sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were robust.
2.2.1.4 Neonatal Apgar score Four studies reported
neonatal Apgar score in both 1
minute and 5 minutes with significant heterogeneity
(I2=87%) and no heterogeneity
(I2=0%) respectively. We pooled studies and found no
significant difference between groups (Figure 7). Sensitivity analysis
indicated that Li et al.[18] appeared to add
significant heterogeneity to 1 min Apgar score. Removing this study
eliminated this heterogeneity (I2=0%), and changed
the effect size of the pooled result (Z = 0.27, P = 0.79) , but there
was still no significant difference between groups.