Effects of massage therapy and aromatherapy on fatigue in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis is the most common articular cartilage disease. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of massage therapy and aromatherapy (Lavender essential oil) on fatigue in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: In this clinical trial, ۹۳ patients referred to the Imam Ali Clinic in Shahrekord, Iran, were included. The patients were randomly assigned to ۳ equal groups of massage therapy, aromatherapy (Lavender essential oil), and control by blocked randomization. Data were collected using demographic characteristics questionnaire and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI). Fatigue scores in the three groups were determined before intervention and in the ۵th and ۱۰th sessions after intervention. Results: No significant differences in demographic characteristics were observed between the groups. There was a significant reduction in fatigue score in the aromatherapy group when compared to the control group (P < ۰.۰۰۱). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in fatigue scores at different intervals between the control and massage therapy groups. Conclusion: Since knee osteoarthritis has no definite treatment, aromatherapy can lead to improving fatigue in patients with the disease.