RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Inertial Sensors for Obstetrical Walking Epidural Tracking

This study aims to understand how pregnant people walk during the first part of labour, especially when they have a low-dose epidural that allows them to move around. Researchers are using small, wearable sensors to track movements and gait. By doing this, they hope to learn more about how epidurals might change walking, identify who might be at risk of falling, and even monitor how labour is progressing. The idea is that these sensors could offer a simple, comfortable way to keep an eye on things without getting in the way. It’s a first step to see if this technology could be useful in maternity care, making the experience better and safer for those giving birth.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Hospices Civils de Lyon

Enrolment target

Start

11 Nov 2024

Estimated completion

12 Jul 2026

What is this study about?

When you're in labour, being able to move around and walk can be really helpful. It might even make labour shorter or reduce the need for a C-section or other medical interventions. Even if it doesn't always have a medical benefit, many people find that being able to walk and move freely makes their birthing experience much better.

Epidurals are a common and effective way to manage pain during labour. Sometimes, a special type of low-dose epidural is used which allows you to still move and even walk. However, because things like pain, the baby's position, and even the epidural itself can change how you walk, doctors don’t always have a clear way to track these changes safely and easily. This study wants to explore if small, wearable sensors (like mini fitness trackers) can help.

The main goal of this study is to test if these small sensors can accurately measure movements and how someone walks during the first stage of labour. They will compare people with and without a low-dose epidural. If successful, this technology could help doctors understand how well the epidural is working, spot any potential risks like falling, and even give clues about how labour is moving along, all in a very gentle and non-intrusive way.

Key takeaways

This study uses small sensors to track walking during labour.
It helps understand how epidurals might affect movement.
Aims to make labour safer and more comfortable in the future.
Involves no extra medication or procedures.
Only for people aged 18-40, 38+ weeks pregnant, with low-dose epidural.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 38 weeks pregnant and not have any major ongoing health problems. You also need to be planning to have a low-dose epidural that allows you to walk, as per the hospital's usual procedures.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you don't want to take part, or if you don't speak French (as the study is taking place in France). You also can't participate if you have certain bone or joint conditions, such as severe scoliosis or previous spinal surgery, that might affect how you walk.

Also, if you're expecting more than one baby (like twins), or if you need to be hooked up to a drip that limits your movement, you won't be able to join. The study is for women aged between 18 and 40 years old.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you at least 38 weeks pregnant?
Do you plan to have a low-dose epidural that allows you to walk?
Do you not have any major underlying health conditions (like severe scoliosis or spine surgery)?
Are you between 18 and 40 years old?
Are you only expecting one baby?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This is a feasibility study, which means it's testing if the new method works. If you join, you would wear small, harmless sensors, likely on different parts of your body, to track your movements. This measurement would happen during the first stage of your labour, both before and when you have your low-dose epidural. There are no extra medical procedures, medicines, or follow-up appointments beyond your standard care. The sensors just record your natural movements. The total duration of your involvement would be limited to a portion of your labour.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no significant direct medical benefits or risks to you as a participant in this particular study, as it only involves wearing harmless sensors and observing your usual care. However, the information gathered could help improve care for future pregnant people by providing more insight into movement during labour with an epidural, potentially leading to better pain management, fall prevention, and birthing experiences. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital de la Croix Rousse
Verified postcode
Lyon, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What are 'inertial sensors'?

They're small devices, like the ones in your smartphone that track steps, that measure movement and position.

Will this study change my labour or delivery plan?

No, the study won't change your labour or delivery plan. You'll receive the same care as usual.

Will the sensors hurt or be uncomfortable?

No, the sensors are small and simply stick to your skin. They are designed to be comfortable and won't cause any pain.

How long will I wear the sensors for?

You will wear the sensors during the first part of your labour, or as long as needed to collect the movement data.

What happens to the information collected from the sensors?

The information will be used by researchers to understand how people move during labour with and without an epidural. Your personal details will be kept private.

How to find out more

Mikhail DZIADZKO, MD

mikhail.dziadzko@chu-lyon.fr 04.26.10.93.25 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.