Severi FM, Prattichizzo D, Casarosa E, Barbagli F, Ferretti C, Altomare A, Vicino A, Petraglia F. Virtual fetal touch through a haptic interface decreases maternal anxiety and salivary cortisol.
ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005;
12:37-40. [PMID:
15629669 DOI:
10.1016/j.jsgi.2004.07.006]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether a virtual reality workstation (Fetouch system) offering three-dimensional (3D) fetal visual and kinesthetic interaction may affect maternal stress.
METHODS
Maternal-fetal visual and kinesthetic interaction was obtained through a haptic interface based on 3D reconstruction of sequencial bi-dimensional ultrasound images of the fetus. Maternal stress was assessed before and after visual/kinesthetic interaction with the fetus: 1) by using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory-Form Y (STAI) test, and 2) by measuring salivary cortisol levels. Statistical analysis was performed by paired t test and analysis of variance for repeated measures.
RESULTS
After the fetal visual and kinesthetic experiences, a significant reduction was observed in anxiety (low state anxiety group, P < .0034; high state anxiety group, P < .0108), as well as in salivary cortisol concentration (P < .0004).
CONCLUSION
Physical interaction with the fetus through a 3D model may reduce maternal stress.
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