Efficacy of birthing ball exercises to reduce labor pain and cesarean rates: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE

This updated systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the impact of a birthing ball (BB) exercises on low-risk parturients during labor, offering a more comprehensive understanding through a larger sample size, robust analysis, and focus on relevant endpoints that were underexplored in previous studies due to limited data.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Central for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing BB (also named Swiss ball) exercises with no intervention or standard care in parturients undergoing low-risk labor. Risk ratios (RR) and mean differences (MD) were calculated using a random-effects model. I heterogeneity was assessed. All statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4.

RESULTS

We included 10 RCTs with 1,008 parturients, 51.2% of whom were assigned to BB exercises. In the pooled analysis, the BB group showed significantly lower cesarean section rates (MD 0.55, p = 0.007, I = 32%), reduced pain scores at 4 and 8 cm dilation by approximately 20% (p < 0.001), and a reduction of over two hours in the duration of the first stage of labor (MD -130.12 min, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between groups in the duration of the second stage of labor (p = 0.090) and in the incidence of instrumental delivery, amniotomy, labor induction, oxytocin use, or epidural analgesia.

CONCLUSIONS

BB exercises significantly reduced cesarean section rates, alleviated labor pain, and shortened the first stage of labor, supporting their use as a safe and effective non-pharmacological intervention in low-risk labor management.