Impact of Reiki on infertile women in Assisted Reproduction: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Abstract Objective to evaluate the effect of Reiki on levels of stress, anxiety, and pregnancy rate in infertile women during the Assisted Reproduction cycle. Method a single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial. The sample (n=40) was divided into three groups: Reiki (n=14), Sham Reiki (n=13), and Control (n=13). Women diagnosed with infertility undergoing treatment at the infertility outpatient clinic of a public hospital. Anxiety and stress levels and pregnancy rates were the variables assessed. The psychometric scales of Fertility Problem Inventory and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used, as well as a questionnaire containing sociodemographic and clinical data, and knowledge about integrative practices and Reiki. Measures of central tendency and the calculation of relative frequencies of data were considered in the descriptive statistical analysis. Results The pregnancy success rate was higher (42.9%) in the Reiki group compared to the others. Anxiety levels decreased in amplitude between T2 and T1 for the Reiki (p=0.02) and Sham Reiki (p=0.01) groups, as well as in median values across all three groups. Although there was no statistically significant difference for stress, there was a reduction in median values for most of the scale factors. Conclusion The results demonstrated that both the Reiki group and the Placebo group showed a reduction in anxiety levels after the interventions, with median ranges of 3.5 and 3.0 points, respectively. Regarding stress scores, the interventions did not influence their levels. These findings suggest that the interventions applied were effective in reducing anxiety but had no impact on stress. These results reinforce the importance of integrative approaches to mental healthcare, especially in assisted reproduction treatment settings. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: RBR-3q85m7g