Effects of an aromatherapy on releasing pain, range of motion and fatigue among community women with chronic neck and shoulder pain

• Main Authors: Chuang Shu Chen, 莊淑真
• Other Authors: Lee-Ing Tsao
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2009
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/46660950189796146017

碩士 === 國立台北護理學院 === 護理研究所 === 97 === The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects, after 2 and 4 weeks, of aromatherapy, for women with chronic neck and shoulder pain.This study was conducted at community, using quasi-experimental design. Women who suffered chronic neck and shoulder pain lasting more than 3 months unrelated to pathologic etiology were recruited. Women in experimental group received 4 weeks aromatherapy -- Carrier oil, Cedarwood , lemon and rosemary essential oil were applied to neck and shoulder once per week by researcher and carrier oil, the juniper, rosemary and frankincense essential oil were applied twice per day by women. There were three instruments: （1）visual pain scale, （2）range of motion of neck and （3）fatigue index and perimenopausal fatigue symptoms scale. The intervention effects from the study baseline to a 4 weeks follow-up were estimated by using GEE (generalized estimating equation) for repeated measures of pain, ROM and fatigue. A total of 34 women were in experimental group, while 34 women were in the control group. After a 4 weeks follow-up, aromatherapy had significantly reduced the intensity of pain after 4 weeks （β=-1.559, P<0.01）and fatigue symptoms after 2 and 4 weeks follow-up（β=-19.03, -21.06, P<0.01） increased neck flexion after 2 weeks follow-up （β=5.21, P<0.01）and increased right rotation of neck (β=5.59, 6.77, P<0.005) after 2 and 4 weeks follow-up. In experimental group also showed significantly improved in pain, ROM and fatigue immediate after 1st intervention. Aromatherapy intervention had positive effects in reducing the intensity of pain and fatigue, and increasing range of motion of neck. Hopefully, this result can provide as an ideal tool for home care among women with chronic neck and shoulder pain.