title: Effects of Passive Hydrotherapy WATSU (WaterShiatsu) in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy: Results of a Controlled Pilot Study.
abstract: Background. WATSU (WaterShiatsu) is a complementary therapeutic treatment method comprising passive stretches and massage techniques administered in 35°C warm water. Pregnant women claim safe methods to reduce pain, stress, and fatigue. Therefore, we conducted a pilot study evaluating the effects of WATSU on pregnancy-related complaints in third trimester pregnant women. Methods. Nine healthy pregnant women at gestational week ≥34 were included in an intervention group (receiving WATSU) and compared to eight women in a passive control group (receiving no treatment). WATSU was performed on days 1 and 4 of the study, accompanied by ultrasound examinations. Outcomes include physiological and psychometric as well as qualitative data. Participants in the control group completed questionnaires only. Results. WATSU was found to significantly lower participants' levels of stress and pain and to improve their mental health-related quality of life and mood. In comparison to the passive control group, participants in the intervention group reported reduction in perceived stress from day 1 to day 8 (P = 0.036, Cohen's f = 0.57). Qualitative data indicate that WATSU was appreciated as enjoyable and deeply relaxing. No negative side effects were reported. Conclusion. Our findings support the notion that WATSU yields therapeutic benefits for pregnant women and warrant further research. This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01708018.
authors: Department of TCM/Acupuncture, Institute of Complementary Medicine IKOM, University of Bern, Imhoof-Pavillon, Inselspital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland.
authors: Agnes M
authors: AM
authors: Schitter
authors: Department of TCM/Acupuncture, Institute of Complementary Medicine IKOM, University of Bern, Imhoof-Pavillon, Inselspital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland.
authors: Marko
authors: 0000-0001-6103-1626
authors: M
authors: Nedeljkovic
authors: Department of Health, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Murtenstrasse 10, 3008 Bern, Switzerland.
authors: Heiner
authors: 0000-0002-4780-225X
authors: H
authors: Baur
authors: Department of TCM/Acupuncture, Institute of Complementary Medicine IKOM, University of Bern, Imhoof-Pavillon, Inselspital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland.
authors: Johannes
authors: 0000-0003-3442-0380
authors: J
authors: Fleckenstein
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, Effingerstrasse 102, 3010 Bern, Switzerland.
authors: Luigi
authors: 0000-0003-3957-3810
authors: L
authors: Raio