Effects of aromatherapy massage on pain, functional state, and quality of life in an elderly individual with knee osteoarthritis

Aim To investigate the effects of aromatherapy massage on pain, functional state and life quality of elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Methods This controlled and experimental study was conducted in two nursing homes. In this study, 90 elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis were randomized as aromatherapy, massage and control groups. Data were collected in weeks 0, 4, and 8 using Patient Information Form, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Knee Osteoarthritis Evaluation Scale, OsteoArthritis Knee and Hip Quality of Life Scale (OAKHQoL). Aromatherapy and massage groups received a total of 15-20 min total classic leg massage twice weekly for 3 weeks. In the aromatherapy group, two essential oils (ginger and rosemary) were added to the black seed oil. Results In the aromatherapy group, WOMAC (pain and functional state) scores were lower and quality of life scores were higher than the massage and control groups in week 4, and these differences were statistically significant (p .05). Conclusions Aromatherapy massage performed in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis reduced pain and improved functional status and quality of life. The week 8 findings showed that aromatherapy has more favorable and longer sustained effects than the massage