Aromatherapy Massage Versus Reflexology on Female Older Patients with the Acute Coronary Syndrome

Introduction: Fatigue and abnormalities in cardiovascular parameters are recognized as major problems for patients with acute coronary syndrome. Non-pharmacological nursing interventions are useful for controlling this fatigue and reducing patients’ suffering during hospitalization. Aim: The present study compared the effects of aromatherapy massage and reflexology on fatigue and cardiovascular parameters in female older patients with acute coronary syndrome. Design: This randomized clinical trial.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with ۱۳۵ female older patients with acute coronary syndrome who were hospitalized on a cardiac care unit in ۲۰۱۴. The patients with ACS, hospitalized in the CCU, were invited to take part in the study. Then were randomly divided into three groups: aromatherapy massage, reflexology, and control. The fatigue severity and cardiovascular parameters were assessed through the Rhoten fatigue scale and a checklist, respectively. Measurements in the groups were performed before and immediately after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and analytical statistics via the SPSS software.Results: Aromatherapy massage significantly decreased fatigue, systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and O۲ saturation greater than reflexology. However, reflexology reduced heart rate more than aromatherapy massage (P < ۰.۰۵). Moreover, no significant changes were observed in diastolic blood pressures compared to the control group (P = ۰.۳۷).Conclusions: Implementation of both aromatherapy massage and reflexology has positive effects on fatigue and cardiovascular parameters in patients with acute coronary syndrome. However, aromatherapy massage can be more beneficial to apply as a supportive approach in coronary diseases. Relevance to clinical practice: The need for reducing fatigue in ACS patients on a cardiac are unit is evident. Implementation of aromatherapy massage and reflexology has positive effects on fatigue in these patients physical and mental health.

Keywords:

acute coronary syndrome , alternative therapies , aromatherapy , fatigue , reflexology.