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Journal of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation
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Virtual Fetal Touch Through a Haptic Interface Decreases Maternal Anxiety and Salivary Cortisol

F. M. Sevenri, MD

D. Prattichizzo, Eng

E. Casarosa, PhD

F. Barbagli, Eng

C. Ferretti, MD

A. Altomare, MD

A. Vicino, Eng

Department of Pediatncs, Obstetncs and Reproductive Medicine, and the Department of Information Engineenng, University of Siena, Siena; Department of Reproductive Medicine and Evolutive Age, Division of Obstetnics and Gynecology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

F. Petraglia, MD

Chair of Obstetncs and Gynecology, Department of Pediatncs, Obstetnrcs and Reproductive Medicine, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte-Viale Bracci, Siena, Italy; obgyn{at}unisi.it

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 thefetus through a 3D model may reduce maternal stress.

Key Words: Pregnancy • three-dimensional ultrasound • haptic interface • cortisol • stress

Journal of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation, Vol. 12, No. 1, 37-40 (2005)
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsgi.2004.07.006
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