Effect of aromatherapy massage on anxiety, depression, and physiologic parameters in older patients with the acute coronary syndrome: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of aromatherapy massage on anxiety, depression, and physiologic parameters in older patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 90 older women with acute coronary syndrome. The participants were randomly assigned into the intervention and control groups (n = 45). The intervention group received reflexology with lavender essential oil, but the control group only received routine care. Physiologic parameters, the levels of anxiety and depression in the hospital were evaluated using a checklist and the Hospital's Anxiety and Depression Scale, respectively, before and immediately after the intervention.

Results: Significant differences in the levels of anxiety and depression were reported between the groups after the intervention. The analysis of physiological parameters revealed a statistically significant reduction (P < .05) in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate. However, no significant difference was observed in the respiratory rate.

Conclusions: Aromatherapy massage can be considered by clinical nurses an efficient therapy for alleviating psychological and physiological responses among older women suffering from acute coronary syndrome.

Keywords: acute coronary syndrome; anxiety; depression; physiologic parameters.