Effects of aromatherapy on pain in patients with musculoskeletal disease: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine aromatherapy interventions for patients with musculoskeletal diseases, and to determine the effectiveness of these interventions on patients’ pain.

Methods/Statistical analysis: Six national and international databases were reviewed to retrieve and collect literature, published up to March 4, 2020, describing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical controlled trials (CCTs) of aromatherapy interventions for patients with musculoskeletal diseases. Two reviewers independently selected the studies and performed data abstraction and validation.

Findings: Of a total of 11 analyzed articles, 3 articles whose effect size was analyzable were analyzed for the effect size of aromatherapy on pain in patients with musculoskeletal disease. Compared with a control group receiving no treatment, the pain score was reduced by 2.09 points (MD=-2.09; 95% CI -2.72 to -1.46), there was a statistically significant difference in effect size between the experimental and control groups (Z=6.52, p<.001), and there was no heterogeneity between the groups (Higgin's I²=0%). And it was found that musculoskeletal pain and fatigue were significantly reduced in the experimental group receiving massage with aroma oils, and that daily life was easier.

Improvements/Applications: This study analyzed the effects of aromatherapy on pain in patients with musculoskeletal disease through a meta-analysis, and demonstrated that aromatherapy had an alleviating effect on pain and fatigue.