The Effect of Reflexology on Time to Delivery During Induction of Labor

This prospective, randomized controlled trial evaluates the effect of reflexology on maternal anxiety, labor duration, and pain in women undergoing labor induction with an extra-amniotic balloon (EAB). Eligible participants are women with a singleton, term pregnancy, cephalic presentation, intact membranes, and a Bishop score \<6, without prior cesarean delivery or contraindications to vaginal delivery.

Participants will be randomized to two groups: an intervention group receiving reflexology by a certified practitioner following EAB placement, and a control group receiving standard care. Maternal anxiety will be assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before and after the intervention. Labor duration and pain scores will also be recorded.

The study plans to enroll 84 participants over two years. Reflexology is a safe, non-invasive complementary therapy, and this study aims to determine whether it provides measurable benefits during labor induction.