Assoc Prof Dr . Li-Lan Chuang | obstetric | Best Researcher Award

🔬Project: Effects of Systematic Relaxation on Stress Reduction and Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Preterm Labor

Background: Maternal stress is a predictor of preterm birth, leading to perinatal morbidity and mortality. Non-pharmacological interventions are essential due to harmful side effects of tocolytic drugs. Relaxation has shown benefits in health and well-being. Objectives: Examine the effects of systematic relaxation on stress reduction and preterm labor outcomes. Design: Randomized controlled trial with a prospective experimental design. Methods: Participants: Pregnant women (20th-34th week, singleton gestations, 18-40 years) diagnosed with preterm labor, hospitalized in a large hospital in northern Taiwan. Sample Size: 70 participants (35 in each group). Intervention: Experimental group receives systematic relaxation exercise, control group receives routine medication treatment. Follow-up: Weekly telephone or in-person visits until birth for both groups. Instruments: Pregnancy Anxiety Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, peripheral skin temperature measurement. Outcomes: Gestational age, rate of pregnancy prolongation, birth weight. Outcomes: The use of systematic relaxation to promote pregnancy outcomes is an innovative approach in preventing preterm birth. The results will contribute to nursing research and practice. Study Plan: Systematic Relaxation Protocol Development: Review literature on relaxation techniques. Consult with experts in relaxation therapy. Develop a structured relaxation protocol tailored to pregnant women with preterm labor. Research Proposal Refinement: Review and revise research objectives, hypotheses, and methodology. Ensure clarity and feasibility of study design and procedures. Incorporate feedback from mentors and peers Manuscript Preparation: Organize study findings according to journal guidelines. Write manuscript sections (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion) Revise and edit manuscript for clarity, coherence, and adherence to APA style Timeline Month 1-2: Develop relaxation protocol Month 3-4: Refine research proposal. Month 5-6: Prepare manuscript for publication Resources Needed: Access to relevant literature and research databases Collaboration with healthcare professionals and researchers. Support from institutional review board (IRB) for study approval. Statistical software for data analysis. Conclusion: By systematically addressing the study goals and following the outlined plan, the project aims to contribute valuable insights into the effects of relaxation on pregnancy outcomes in women with preterm labor.