Sensing an improvement: an experimental study to evaluate the use of aromatherapy, massage and periods of rest in an intensive care unit

Abstract

There is widespread belief that the use of aromatherapy and massage in an intensive care environment offers a means of increasing the quality of sensory input that patients receive, as well as reducing levels of stress and anxiety. Despite a wealth of anecdotal evidence in support of these claims, there have been few objective studies to evaluate the effects of these therapies. In this experimental study 122 patients admitted to a general intensive care unit were randomly allocated to receive either massage, aromatherapy using essential oil of lavender, or a period of rest. Both pre- and post-therapy assessments included physiological stress indicators and patients' evaluation of their anxiety levels, mood and ability to cope with their intensive care experience. Ninety-three patients (77%) were able to complete subjective assessments. There were no statistically significant differences in the physiological stress indicators or observed or reported behaviour of patients' ability to cope following any of the three interventions. However, those patients who received aromatherapy reported significantly greater improvement in their mood and perceived levels of anxiety. They also felt less anxious and more positive immediately following the therapy, although this effect was not sustained or cumulative.

Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy on Vital Signs and Perceived Quality of Sleep in the Intermediate Care Unit: A Pilot Study

“…Diffusers or heat administration of the lavender was not approved by the infectious disease department because of the risk of spreading germs and of heatrelated injuries. Because Dunn et al 6 noted that the effects of lavender were not sustained, placement of the oil of lavender was maintained throughout the night. The oil was premeasured by a study team member before use in the aromatherapy.…”

“…5 Aromatherapy has been used in a variety of settings to assist in relaxation and aid in sleep. In a study of 122 patients in an intensive care unit by Dunn et al, 6 patients exposed to aromatherapy had significantly greater improvements in mood and perceived levels of anxiety than did patients not exposed. In a randomized controlled study 7 in a hospice, the use of lavender and massage resulted in improved sleep scores, but the results were not significant because of the small number of patients in the sample.…”

Biosynthesis and Therapeutic Properties ofLavandulaEssential Oil Constituents

“…The purported aroma-therapeutic properties of lavender in healthy individuals have remained as the most controversial application of this essential oil. Proponents of lavender aromatherapy could cite studies like Dunn et al [29] which showed that the use of L. angustifolia essential oil in aroma-therapeutic practices reduced anxiety in intensive care unit patients. Conversely, Howard and Hughes [30] found that expectancy bias limits the objective study of the efficacy of lavender oils in aroma-therapeutic practices.…”

Effects of Juniper Essential Oil on the Activity of Autonomic Nervous System

“…To apply juniper essential oil, a diffuser for aromatherapy was used (Aroma breeze NOVA T, ALTA Corporation, Nagoya, Japan). According to previous studies with essential oil, 10 μL of juniper essential oil was pipetted onto a small cotton pad for a diffuse (Dunn et al, 1995). The speed of airflow was 1.2 m/min.…”