Rebozo Technique on Labor Pain Intensity: A Systematic Review

Labor pain remains a significant challenge in childbirth due to its impact on maternal comfort and overall birth experience. The Rebozo technique is a traditional non-pharmacological intervention that uses a woven cotton shawl to perform gentle rhythmic movements of the pelvis, aiming to promote relaxation and support labor progression. Despite increasing attention, evidence regarding its effect on labor pain intensity remains fragmented and incomprehensive. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the Rebozo technique in reducing labor pain intensity. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Garuda databases for studies published between 2020 and 2025. The review followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Quantitative studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCT) and quasi-experimental designs involving intrapartum women, were included, with pain intensity as the primary outcome. Study quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools. A meta-analysis was not conducted due to heterogeneity in study design, intervention protocols, outcome measures, and sample characteristics, and instead a narrative synthesis was applied. Ten studies comprising 537 participants met inclusion criteria. Results indicate that overall Rebozo technique significantly reduced labor pain intensity (p-values 0.000-0.016), particularly during the active phase compared with standard care or other non-pharmacological methods. In conclusion, the Rebozo technique appears to be an effective, safe, and adaptable non-pharmacological approach for labor pain management. Limitations include heterogeneity among studies and restricted generalizability due to the predominance of studies from Indonesia and Türkiye. Further studies with standardized protocols and expanded outcome measure are warranted.