The effects of Lavender and Chamomile essential oil inhalation aromatherapy on depression,anxiety and stress in older community-dwelling people: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundConsidering the prevalence of mental health problems in older adults, this study aims to investigate the effect of inhalation aromatherapy using lavender and chamomile essential oils on depression, anxiety, and stress of community-dwelling older people.MethodsA three-armed, parallel, randomized, and controlled trial design was used in this study. 183 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to three groups (n = 61): the lavender, chamomile, and control groups. The participants in the experimental groups inhaled three drops of 1.5% lavender and chamomile essential oils for 30 nights. The participants in the control group inhaled only distilled water in a similar fashion. Data were collected using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress-Scale (DASS) at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and one month after the intervention. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, one-way ANOVA, and repeated measures ANOVA were used for data analysis.ResultsStatistically significant improvement occurred in depression, anxiety, and stress levels immediately and one month after the intervention in lavender and chamomile groups compared to the control group (p < 0.01).ConclusionInhalation aromatherapy with both lavender and chamomile essential oils helped decrease depression, anxiety, and stress levels in community-dwelling older adults.     

The effect of lavender aromatherapy on the level of intraoperative anxiety in caesarean case under spinal anesthesia: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPreoperative anxiety can be reduced by aromatherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of lavender aromatherapy in reducing intraoperative anxiety in patients undergoing caesarean section (CS) under spinal anesthesia.MethodsThis study was two-armed and randomized controlled trial. A total of 96 patients who were scheduled for CS were randomly divided into two groups: the aromatherapy (A) group (n=48), comprising patients who were randomized to receive lavender aromatherapy with mask oxygen after the birth of the baby, and the control (C) group (n=48), comprising patients who inhaled carrier oil. During the preoperative period, baseline anxiety levels and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores were recorded using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I) scale. After birth, two drops of oil were inhaled in an oxygen mask for 5 min. After 5 min, the Ramsey Sedation Scale was evaluated, and patients with a score of 1 received 2 mg of intravenous midazolam for sedation. The STAI-I and VAS pain scores were re-evaluated at the third postoperative hour.ResultsThe primary outcome was the significant reduction in the need for midazolam brought about by lavender aromatherapy, and the secondary outcomes included postoperative third-hour STAI-I scores, intraoperative complications and patient satisfaction.ConclusionThe effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy, which reduced the need for intraoperative anxiolytics, can be offered as an alternative for pregnant women who undergo CS under spinal anesthesia.     

The effects of lavender oil on the anxiety and vital signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia patients in preoperative period

BackgroundThis study was conducted to determine the effects of lavender oil on the levels of anxiety and vital signs in benign prostate hyperplasia patients (BPH) in their preoperative period.MethodThis was a quasi-experimental study and a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The population of the study consisted of elderly male patients who were hospitalized at the urology clinic of a hospital in Turkey, eligible for inclusion, and who were scheduled to undergo BPH surgery. These patients had a prostate mass >30 g on which medical treatment and minimal surgical treatment had not been succesful but which could be cured through open prostatectomy surgery and transurethral resection of the prostate. The sample consisted of 110 patients selected by the convenience sampling method and determined based on power analysis.ResultsAccording to data analysis, both groups showed significantly reduced anxiety after the smelling lavender oil. However, the experimental group reported a significantly higher decrease in anxiety [mean change: −38.47 (SD 8.68) vs −2.78 (SD 3.27)] in comparison to the control group (p < 0.001). The posttest mean vital signs of the groups were compared and there was a statistically significant decrease in respiration and increase in oxygen saturation (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe findings showed that lavender oil inhalation reduced anxiety levels and had effects on the vital signs of BPH patients in their preoperative period.     

The effect of a combined treatment of foot soak and lavender oil inhalation therapy on the severity of insomnia of patients with cancer: Randomized interventional study

ObjectivesThis three-arm randomized intervention study was carried out with the aim to evaluate the effects of a combined foot soak and lavender oil inhalation therapy on the severity of insomnia of patients with cancer.MethodThis research was carried out in oncology and palliative services. Forty-five patients were randomly assigned to three groups. Throughout a 14-day period, 20 min of foot soak treatment was applied to the patients in the F group, patients in the L group were applied lavender oil inhalation therapy for 5 min and a combined treatment of foot soak and lavender oil inhalation therapy were applied to the patients in the FL group. Insomnia severity of the patients in all groups were evaluated twice using the Insomnia Severity Index at the baseline and on the fifteenth day.ResultsThe severity of the insomnia of the patients in all groups was found to be moderate. The severity of the insomnia in the second evaluation was found to be statistically significantly lower in the L and FL groups (p<0.05) compared to the baseline evaluation within the group, however no significant difference was found in the F group (p>0.05). The effect size of a combined treatment of foot soak and lavender oil inhalation therapy on the severity of insomnia of patients in the FL group was higher and moderate (d = 0.684) compared to merely foot soak and merely lavender oil inhalation therapy.ConclusionA combined treatment of foot soak and lavender oil inhalation therapy shall mitigate the severity of a moderate level of insomnia of patients with cancer.     

The effect of relaxation exercises training on pregnancy-related anxiety after perinatal loss: A pilot randomized control trial✰

BackgroundPregnancy-related anxiety is quite frequent during pregnancy after perinatal loss, and it is likely to cause negative effects on the mother and the foetus. amongst independent nursing practices, progressive muscle relaxation exercises are considered to be one of alternative treatment methods to relax pregnant women physically and psychologically.PurposeThe aim of this study is to examine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation exercises on the pregnancy-related anxiety levels of pregnant women who have experienced a perinatal loss.MethodsOne hundred and four pregnant women who had experienced a perinatal loss were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 31) or a control group (n = 33) and participated in a 12-week trial. The intervention group received training on progressive muscle relaxation exercises, while the control group was provided only with routine healthcare services. The Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire-R2 was used to evaluate the level of pregnancy-related anxiety.ResultsThe intervention group showed improvement in comparison to the control group at the end of the intervention. After the intervention, the measured levels of “pregnancy related anxiety”, “fear of giving birth”, and “worries about bearing a handicapped child” significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the pre-intervention levels and the control group, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in the levels of concern about own appearance between the groups after the intervention (p>0.05).ConclusionAccording to the results of the study, progressive muscle relaxation led to a decrease in the pregnancy-related anxiety levels of the pregnant women who had experienced a perinatal loss.     

Effects of lavender oil intervention before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography on patients' vital signs,pain and anxiety: A randomized controlled study

BackgroundThis study was carried out to determine the effects of lavender oil intervention before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) on patients' vital signs, pain and anxiety.Materials and methodsThis study was designed as a randomized controlled study. The population of the study consisted of adult patients who were going to receive ERCP at the gastroenterology clinic of a university hospital. Ninety patients participated in the study. The data were collected using a Patient Information Form, a Pre-Post Test Record Form, VAS and the State Anxiety Scale.ResultsAfter lavender oil intervention, the pulse rate, systolic-diastolic blood pressure, pain and anxiety levels of the patients in the experiment group were reduced, their oxygen saturation levels were increased, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05).ConclusionLavender oil applied on the patients before the ERCP procedure reduced their pulse rate, systolic-diastolic blood pressure, pain and anxiety levels, while it increased their oxygen saturation levels.     

“Effects of abdominal massage applied with ginger and lavender oil for elderly with constipation: A randomized controlled trial”

Background and objectivesConstipation, which is commonly seen in the elderly and negatively affects an individual's physical and psychological well-being, is a treatable health problem. This study was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental study to investigate the effect of abdominal massage applied with lavender and ginger oil on constipation for elderly individuals.MethodsThe study examined a total of 40 elderly individuals who lived in a nursing home and suffered from constipation. Elderly individuals in the intervention group underwent 15 min of aromatherapy massage for 5 weekdays per week for 4 weeks. No intervention was conducted for individuals in the control group.ResultsWhile the Bristol Stool Chart and the Constipation Severity Scale scores were similar in the intervention and control groups of elderly individuals at the first follow-up (p > 0.05), in the second and fourth week after the application, scores in the Bristol Stool Chart increased significantly and scores in the Constipation Severity Scale decreased significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05).ConclusionIt was determined that aromatherapy massage applied to elderly individuals experiencing constipation softened stool consistency, decreased constipation severity, and reduced symptoms associated with constipation.     

Impact of Tele-nursing on adherence to treatment plan in discharged patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A quasi-experimental study in Iran

Background and aimsCoronary artery bypass graft is a major surgery and has complications that require professional and long term follow-up and nursing care that if do not properly handled, could reduce the quality of life and increase post-operative complications. On the other hand Tele-nursing is a cost-effective way to educate and follow-up of patients. This study aimed to assess the impact of Tele-nursing on adherence to treatment plan in discharged patients after coronary artery bypass graft.Materials and methodsA quasi-experimental study was carried out at Ekbatan Therapeutic and Educational Center of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences at Hamadan, Iran, in 2013. In this study, 71 patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery and had inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two experimental group (n = 36), and control group (n = 35). They completed questionnaire before discharging from Therapeutic and Educational Center. In the experimental group on days 2, 4, 7, second week (day 11), third week (day 18) and fourth week (day 25) after discharge, follow-up interventions and nursing education with Tele-nursing was done, but in the in the control groups, patients received only routine interventions. After completion of the intervention period, both groups completed the questionnaire and the results were compared.ResultsAdherence of treatment plan in both groups did not have significant difference before intervention (P = 0.696), but had a significant difference with regard to baseline after intervention in aromatherapy group (P <  0.01) and with control group after intervention (P < 0.01). Adherence to treatment plan in the aromatherapy group was better in compared to control group (P < 0.01).ConclusionTele-nursing is a convenient way, cost effective training and follow-up care for patients after coronary artery bypass surgery, which can improve patients’ adherence to treatment plan in developing countries such as Iran.     

The effect of preoperative Reiki application on patient anxiety levels

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to investigate changes in the anxiety levels of patients receiving preoperative Reiki.Material and methodsThis study used a quasi-experimental model with a pretest-posttest control group. Methods: Subjects (n = 210) were recruited from a hospital in Turkey, from June 2013 to July 2014. Subjects were then assigned to experimental (n = 105) and control (n = 105) groups.ResultsThe level of anxiety of experimental group patients did not change according to their state anxiety scores (p > 0.10); however, the anxiety level of control group patients increased (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe results of this study imply that the administration of Reiki is effective in controlling preoperative anxiety levels and in preventing them from increasing.     

The effects of lavender,rosemary and orange essential oils on memory problems and medication adherence among patients undergoing hemodialysis: A parallel randomized controlled trial

Background: hemodialysis patients’ daily use of medications is essential for the disease management. One of the causes of medication non-adherence is that they forget to take medications, and non-adherence to treatment following memory loss is a common problem in patients on hemodialysis.Objective: the current study aimed to compare the effects of Lavender, Rosemary, and Orange essential oils on memory problems (both retrospective and prospective aspects of memory) and medication adherence in hemodialysis patients.Design: this study was a parallel randomized controlled trial.Setting: the two main hemodialysis centers in Kerman, southeastern Iran.Participants: eighty-six patients under chronic hemodialysis were randomly allocated into four groups (Lavender, Rosemary, Orange, and control) by simple randomization method.Interventions: The samples of the intervention group, in addition to routine care, received Lavender or Rosemary or Orange essential oils three times a week for a month. A gauze containing with five drops of the essential oil was placed at a distance of 10 cm from the patient's nose one hour after hemodialysis, and the patient was asked to inhale it for 30 min.Main outcome measures: retrospective and prospective memory, and medication adherence were assessed before, immediately and one month after the intervention.Results: prospective memory problems in Lavender, Rosemary and Orange groups did not change significantly over time (P > 0.05). Prospective memory problems in the control group had a significant increase (P = 0.002). No significant difference was found in prospective memory problems between the four groups (P > 0.05). Retrospective memory problems in the Lavender and Rosemary groups decreased significantly over time (P <0.05). The decreasing retrospective memory problems in the Orange and control groups were not statistically significant over time (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in retrospective memory problems between the four groups (P > 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the four groups in medication adherence score during the study (P > 0.05).Conclusion: aromatherapy with Lavender or Rosemary can reduce some memory problems in hemodialysis patients. However, the results of this study could not justify the effect of aromatherapy on the rate of medication adherence in patients on hemodialysis, so further studies are required.Trial registration: IRCT20190428043410N1     

Comparing the effects of geranium aromatherapy and music therapy on the anxiety level of patients undergoing inguinal hernia surgery: A clinical trial

IntroductionAnxiety may lead to negative post-surgery outcomes in patients. It is essential to find strategies to manage pre-surgery anxiety and prevent unwanted consequences in patients. Aromatherapy and music therapy can be used to help patients managing their pre-surgery anxiety.ObjectiveTo compare the effects of Geranium aromatherapy and music therapy on the anxiety level of patients undergoing inguinal hernia surgery.MethodsThis randomized clinical trial was conducted in Imam Educational Hospital in Mahabad, Iran. One hundred and fifty patients were recruited and randomly allocated to aromatherapy, music therapy, and control groups. The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to measure the patients’ pre-surgery anxiety (primary outcome) before and after the intervention. Geranium essential oil and instrumental music were used in aromatherapy and music therapy groups respectively. The patients in the control group received no intervention. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 25.0.ResultsThe results showed significant differences in the mean anxiety score of aromatherapy, music therapy, and control groups (P=0.011). Inhalation Geranium aromatherapy and music therapy groups had significantly lower mean anxiety scores compared with the control group after the intervention (P<0.001). Moreover, the value of decrease in the mean anxiety score was greater in the aromatherapy group compared to the music therapy group.ConclusionsMusic therapy and aromatherapy are recommended as inexpensive and safe complementary medicine. These methods are effective strategies to assist patients with managing their pre-surgery anxiety, which results in reduced patient post-surgery complications and shorter surgery recovery time.     

The effects of the addition of motor imagery to home exercises on pain,disability and psychosocial parameters in patients undergoing lumbar spinal surgery: A randomized controlled trial

ContextPatients who have suffered from persistent symptoms often undergo lumbar spinal surgery (LSS). Motor imagery should be added to postoperative home exercises to reduce patient complaints.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the effects of home exercise plus motor imagery and only home exercise in patients undergoing LSS.DesignA randomized controlled study.SettingsThis study was designed by researchers at Dokuz Eylul University.ParticipantsThirty-seven patients undergoing LSS were randomized to motor imagery group (n = 19) and control group (n = 18).Main outcome measuresPain was measured by Visual Analogue Scale, disability related to low back pain by Oswestry Disability Index, pain-related fear by Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, depression by Beck Depression Inventory, quality of life by World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF). All assessments were repeated in the preoperative period, three weeks after and six weeks after the surgery.InterventionsMotor imagery group underwent home exercise plus motor imagery program applied by voice recording. Control group underwent only home exercise program. Exercise program compliance was monitored by exercise diary and telephone calls once every week.ResultsThere was a significant improvement in pain at rest and during activity, disability, kinesiophobia, depression, physical health and psychological sub-parameters of WHOQOL-BREF between preoperative period, and the third week and sixth week in both groups (p < 0.05). When comparing groups for gain scores, there was a more significant improvement in pain during activity in motor imagery group (p < 0.05). Motor imagery should be addressed as an effective treatment after LSS.     

In vitro control of the camel nasal botfly, Cephalopina titillator, with doramectin, lavender, camphor, and onion oils

Camels are very important livestock particularly in arid and semiarid lands. The oestrid fly, Cephalopina titillator (Clark), causes nasopharyngeal myiasis in camels, and it is widely distributed in many camel breeding areas triggering health hazards and severe economic losses in camels. The prevalence of infestation of camels (slaughtered at Tokh’s slaughterhouse, Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt, during the period from September 2011 to March 2012) was 41.67 % (100 out of 240). Most infested camels developed clinical signs of nasal discharge, restlessness, loss of appetite, difficulty in breathing, frequent sneezing, and snoring. Postmortem examination of infested camels explained that breathing of the animal is greatly impaired because of blockage of the nasopharynx by larvae and/or mucofibrinous secretions. The larval count per camel ranged from 1 to 250 (mean 28.45?±?6.48). In vitro larval immersion tests were carried out to determine the efficacy of doramectin (0.003 %) as well as some essential oils (50 % each) such as lavender, camphor, and onion oils against the second and third larval stages (L2 and L3) of C. titillator. Another trial had been done for imitating what could happen if the area around camels were treated with an insecticide or an insect repellent. All treated L2 died 18 h posttreatment (PT) with both doramectin and lavender, and 100 % mortality was reached for L3 after 24 and 30 h PT with lavender and doramectin, respectively. Doramectin and lavender induced the highest response against C. titillator as their lethal time (LT₅₀) values after treatment of L2 were 3.40 and 3.60 h, respectively, and those of L3 were 4.99 and 5.53 h, respectively. Against both L2 and L3 of C. titillator and based on LT₅₀ values of onion oil and those of other applied materials, doramectin and lavender oil were four times more effective than onion oil, and camphor oil was two times more effective than onion oil. Based on LT₅₀ values of essential oils and those of doramectin, as a reference substance, the relative speed of efficacy indicated that camphor and onion oils were, respectively, two and four times less effective than doramectin and lavender. With regard to fumigant technique, neither the insecticide, New Pyrosol®, nor the insect repellent, Keto®, was effective in controlling C. titillator larvae. Our results indicated that doramectin and lavender could be selected as drugs of choice for controlling C. titillator, but it is not permitted to use doramectin on dairy animals during lactation. Lavender (50 %) has a great potential to be developed as a novel larvicide and could be used as nasal drench against nasal botfly which will reflect on camel production and the national economy.     

Aromatherapy for stress reduction in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

The aim of this review was to systematically assess the effectiveness of aromatherapy for stress management. Seven databases were searched from their inception through April 2014. RCTs testing aromatherapy against any type of controls in healthy human person that assessed stress level and cortisol level were considered. Two reviewers independently performed the selection of the studies, data abstraction and validations. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane criteria. Five RCTs met our inclusion criteria, and most of them had high risk of bias. Four RCTs tested the effects of aroma inhalation compared with no treatment, no aroma, and no odour oil. The meta-analysis suggested that aroma inhalation has favourable effects on stress management (n = 80; standard mean difference (SMD), −0.96; 95% CI, −1.44 to −0.48; P < 0.0001; I² = 0%). Three of included RCTs tested aroma inhalation on saliva or serum cortisol level compared with control and meta-analysis failed to show significant difference between two groups (n = 88, SMDs −0.62; 95% CIs −1.26 to 0.02, P = 0.06, I² = 46%). In conclusion, there is limited evidence suggesting that aroma inhalation may be effective in controlling stress. However, the number, size and quality of the RCTs are too low to draw firm conclusions.     

Effectiveness of question prompt lists in patients with breast cancer: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of a question prompt list (QPL) in decision self-efficacy, decision-making participation, patient–physician communication, decisional conflict or regret, and health status in patients with breast cancer.MethodsA total of 240 patients with breast cancer were randomly assigned to a QPL group or control group (n = 120 each). The intervention and control groups received an additional educational QPL booklet and routine care, respectively.ResultsThe intervention group exhibited significant improvements in decision self-efficacy, perceived patient–physician interactions, and patient–physician communication compared with the control group. Multilevel modeling analyses revealed significant group–time interaction effects on decision self-efficacy (β = 9.99, P < 0.01), perceived patient–physician interactions (β = 8.10, P < 0.01), patient–physician communication (β = 5.02, P < 0.01), and anxiety status (β = ?3.78, P < 0.05). The QPL intervention exerted more favorable effects than routine care, with repeated measurements of the same patients and the data of patients under the care of the same surgeons accounted for.ConclusionsThe QPL intervention exerted multidimensional effects on decision-making outcomes among patients with breast cancer.Practical implicationsClinicians can integrate a QPL into routine care for patients with breast cancer.     

Synchronous whole-body vibration increases VO₂ during and following acute exercise

Single bout whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise has been shown to produce small but significant increases in oxygen consumption (VO₂). How much more a complete whole-body exercise session (multiple dynamic exercises targeting both upper and lower body muscles) can increase VO₂ is unknown. The purpose of this study was to quantify VO₂ during and for an extended time period (24 h) following a multiple exercise WBV exercise session versus the same session without vibration (NoV). VO₂ of healthy males (n = 8) was measured over 24 h on a day that included a WBV exercise session versus a day with the same exercise session without vibration (NoV), and versus a control day (no exercise). Upper and lower body exercises were studied (five, 30 s, 15 repetition sets of six exercises; 1:1 exercise:recovery ratio over 30 min). Diet was controlled. VO₂ was 23% greater (P = 0.002) during the WBV exercise session versus the NoV session (62.5 ± 12.0 vs. 50.7 ± 8.2 L O₂) and elicited a higher (P = 0.033) exercise heart rate versus NoV (139 ± 6 vs. 126 ± 11 bpm). Total O₂ consumed over 8 and 24 h following the WBV exercise was also increased (P < 0.010) (240.5 ± 28.3 and 518.9 ± 61.2 L O₂) versus both NoV (209.7 ± 22.9 and 471.1 ± 51.6 L O₂) and control (151.4 ± 20.7 and 415.2 ± 51.6 L O₂). NoV was also increased versus control (P < 0.003). A day with a 30-min multiple exercise, WBV session increased 24 h VO₂ versus a day that included the same exercise session without vibration, and versus a non-exercise day by 10 and 25%, respectively.     

Effect of functional weightbearing versus non-weightbearing quadriceps strengthening exercise on contact force in varus-malaligned medial knee osteoarthritis: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundKnee osteoarthritis progression may be related to altered knee loads, particularly in those with varus malalignment. Using randomized controlled trial data, this secondary analysis of complete datasets (n = 67) compared the effects of a functional weightbearing (WB) and non-weightbearing quadriceps strengthening exercise (NWB) program on measures of medial tibiofemoral joint contact force (MTCF) during walking.MethodsParticipants aged ≥50 years and with medial knee osteoarthritis and varus malalignment were randomly allocated to a 12-week, home-based, physiotherapist-prescribed exercise program comprised of WB exercises (n = 31), or NWB exercise (n = 36). Three-dimensional lower-body motion, ground reaction forces, and surface electromyograms from six lower-limb muscles were acquired during walking at baseline and at 12-weeks follow-up. An electromyogram-informed neuromusculoskeletal model estimated bodyweight (BW) normalized MTCF (peak and impulse), including external and muscular contributions to MTCF.ResultsThere was no between-group difference in the change in peak MTCF (−0.02 [−0.12, 0.09] BW) or MTCF impulse (−0.01 [−0.06, 0.03] BW·s). There was a between-group difference in the muscle contribution to peak MTCF (−0.08 [−0.15, −0.00] BW) and MTCF impulse (−0.04 [−0.08, −0.00] BW·s), whereby the muscle contribution reduced more in the NWB group over time compared to the WB group. There was also a between group-difference in the external contribution to peak MTCF (0.09 [0.01, 0.18] BW), but this reduced more in the WB group than in the NWB group.ConclusionsOur findings suggest no difference in MTCF between the two exercise programs, but differences in the contribution to MTCF between the two exercise programs were observed in those with medial knee osteoarthritis and varus malalignment.