This study adopted a non-equivalent control group design to investigate the effect of birth ball as a pain
relief management in labour based on pain and anxiety scores. It was conducted in three local public hospitals over
the period December 2009 to May 2010. Women in labour who met the inclusion criteria were approached and
a birth ball was introduced. Those who chose to use it were identifid as the study group, and the others as the
controls. Using a visual analogue scale, baseline pain and anxiety states were measured for both groups and then
hourly thereafter. After delivery, the study group was asked to complete a questionnaire to evaluate their satisfaction
on the use of the birth ball.