The Effects of Aroma Essential Oil Inhalation on Stress, Pain, and Sleep Quality in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of Footbath on Pain, Anxiety, Sleep, and Comfort Levels in Patients With Postlaparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study

PURPOSE

The aim of the study is to determine the effect of of hot footbaths on the pain, anxiety, sleep, and comfort levels of patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

DESIGN

The study is a randomized controlled designed.

METHODS

This study was conducted in surgery clinic of a university hospital between January 2022 and November 2022. The research was completed with 54 patients in the experimental group and 54 patients in the control group.

FINDINGS

The mean state anxiety score and VAS-Sleep score of the patients in the experimental group 120 minutes after the application was 31.07±4.70 and 612.62±82.37, respectively, which was statistically significantly lower than that of the patients in the control group ( P <0.05). On the other hand, at the 120th minutes after the application, the mean VAS-Comfort scores of the patients in the experimental group were statistically significantly higher than those of the patients in the control group ( P <0.05). A positive relationship was found between the mean VAS-Pain and VAS-Sleep scores of the patients in the experimental group, and a significant negative relationship was found between the mean VAS-Comfort and state anxiety scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Foot bath is effective in reducing the pain and anxiety levels of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery.

Trends in Korean intervention studies on complementary and alternative therapies in rehabilitation nursing

In nursing, complementary and alternative therapies (CATs) can be provided alongside, or as alternatives, to conventional medical treatments to maximize therapeutic effects, accelerate rehabilitation, and enhance patient satisfaction. Fostering the correct knowledge and attitudes toward CATs is crucial not only for theoretical development but also for practical application. To gain a comprehensive understanding of recent domestic research trends, this study conducted an integrative review to analyze different types of CAT-related intervention studies in rehabilitation nursing in South Korea. A literature search of relevant databases suggested 14 papers. The review revealed that most studies focused on older adult patients, with manipulative and body-based therapies being the most common CAT interventions, followed by energy therapies, mind-body therapies, and others. The efficacy analysis of the CATs used in the selected studies indicated that their effects varied depending on participant characteristics and outcome measures, even when the same CAT was employed. To advance the field of rehabilitation nursing, effective CATs that are proven to be safe for older adult patients need to be developed and actively utilized. Additionally, specialized nurse training programs and clinical and community-based applications for rehabilitation patients requiring interventions need to be developed.

The effect of shoulder massage on shoulder pain and sleep quality in patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients may suffer from sleep disturbances due to this postoperative pain. Postoperative pain and low sleep quality can lead to various unpredictable complications, including anxiety.The aim of this study is to determine the effect of shoulder massage administered to patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy on pain and sleep quality.

METHODS

The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial.This study was carried out with 60 patients who underwent surgery at the General Surgery Department of a university's Faculty of Medicine between January 2020 and March 2021. The study was completed with 60 patients (30 in the intervention group and 30 in the control group). The patients in the intervention group received shoulder massage twice at 6-hour intervals. The data for the study were collected using the "Individual Introduction Form", the "VAS", and the "Richard Campbell Sleep Scale".

RESULTS

It was found that the pain of the patients in the intervention group significantly decreased compared to the control group 30 min after the massage (p˂0.05). However, 6 h after the massage, the pain levels in both groups were similar. The sleep quality of the patients in the intervention group was significantly higher compared to those in the control group (p˂0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

It was determined that the massage therapy yielded a short-term alleviation of shoulder pain among the patients while also enhancing their sleep quality. These results suggest that shoulder massage could be effectively incorporated into nursing practice as a means to ameliorate pain levels and enhance sleep quality in postoperative patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06480149 (retrospectively registered, Protocol ID: 2019/06-8Last Update Posted 2024-06-28) https://ctv.veeva.com/study/shoulder-massage-after-cholecystectomy .

Impact of aromatherapy on anxiety among ICU nurses: A randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of aromatherapy with an essential oil blend containing lavender, bergamot, ylang-ylang, and sweet orange, compared with placebo, on perceptions of anxiety in ICU RNs.

METHODS

Nurses recruited from six adult ICUs and a neonatal ICU participated in this blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study, which took place over a 30-day intervention period.

RESULTS

Although there were no statistically significant changes in anxiety pre- to postintervention or between the intervention and placebo groups, there were also no adverse events or untoward effects.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study may support aromatherapy as an evidence-based strategy to reduce anxiety in ICU nurses. Additional research is needed.

The Effect of Breathing and Coughing Exercises and Oxygen Therapy on Shoulder Pain and Analgesic Consumption After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of breathing and coughing exercises and oxygen therapy on shoulder pain and analgesic consumption after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled intervention study.

METHODS

The sample included 105 patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the general surgery clinic of a tertiary center. Breathing and coughing exercises were applied to groups 1 and 2 of the intervention group, from the fourth hour after surgery. In addition, 2 liters per minute O2 treatment was applied to group 2 during the first hour after surgery, while the control group did not recieve the interventions.

FINDINGS

After surgery, a statistically significant difference was found in favor of the intervention groups in pain levels at the 12th hour (P < .05). There was a negative and statistically significant difference between pain levels and SpO2 values in all groups (P < .05). Non-opioids were consumed in lower amounts in the intervention groups (P > .05), while opioids were consumed only in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Breathing and coughing exercises and oxygen therapy after laparoscopic cholecystectomy reduced shoulder pain and the amount of analgesic consumption.

Assessing the Anxiolytic and Relaxation Effects of Cinnamomum camphora Essential Oil in University Students: A Comparative Study of EEG, Physiological Measures, and Psychological Responses

Background

Cinnamomum camphora is a commercially important tree species in China, and it's also a common native tree in the forests of southern China. However, literature on the impact of Cinnamomum camphora essential oil (CCEO) on human psychophysiological activity is scarce. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to examine the effect of exposure to CCEO on the functioning of the human autonomic nervous system, electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, and emotional state.

Methods

Forty-three healthy university students participated. The data collected included heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, and the results of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) test.

Results

A drop in diastolic pressure (DBP) and pulse rate was also noticed after participants inhaled CCEO. Furthermore, EEG studies have demonstrated notable reductions in absolute beta (AB), absolute gamma (AG), absolute high beta (AHB), and relative gamma (RG) power spectra during exposure to CCEO. Conversely, the relative theta (RT) and power spectra values showed a significant increase. Additionally, the finding from POMS indicated that the fragrance evoked positive emotions and suppressed negative feelings.

Conclusion

The results suggest that exposure to CCEO may promote mental and physical relaxation, facilitate cognitive processes such as memory and attention, and enhance mood states.

Inhalation of Origanum majorana L. essential oil while working reduces perceived stress and anxiety levels of nurses in a COVID-19 intensive care unit: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Nurses caring for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experience higher psychosocial distress than other healthcare workers, and this can adversely affect the quality of patient care. There is evidence that inhalation of essential oil from marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) has calming effects, suggesting this intervention may help to reduce the stress and anxiety of nurses working in a COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU). This study aimed to investigate the effect of inhalation of marjoram essential oil at work on the stress and anxiety levels of nurses in a COVID-19 ICU.

Methods

Nurses (n = 57) working in a single COVID-19 ICU were randomly assigned to inhale 3% marjoram essential oil (marjoram group, n = 29) or almond oil (control group, n = 28) for 2 h while at work. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate, state anxiety score, and score on a visual analog scale for anxiety (VAS-anxiety) and stress (VAS-stress) were measured before and after the intervention.

Results

The two groups had similar baseline variables. MAP did not have within-group or between-group differences. Heart rate increased significantly in the marjoram group after the intervention (p = 0.031), but it remained within the normal range and the increase was not clinically meaningful. There was no significant between-group difference in the state-anxiety or VAS-anxiety score after the intervention, but the marjoram group had a significantly lower state-anxiety (p = 0.001) and VAS-anxiety (p = 0.037) score at posttest vs. pretest. The VAS-stress score was significantly lower in the marjoram group at the posttest vs. the pretest (p = 0.026).

Conclusion

Nurses caring for patients in a COVID-19 ICU experience significant stress, and strategies are needed to address this important issue. Inhalation of 3% marjoram essential oil while caring for patients in a COVID-19 ICU may be a simple and effective intervention that reduces perceived stress and anxiety in nurses.Clinical Trial Registration: https://cris.nih.go.kr/, KCT0007543.

Relieving psychological stress and improving sleep quality by bergamot essential oil use before bedtime and upon awakening: A randomized crossover trial

OBJECTIVES

The COVID-19 pandemic increased psychological stress and decreased sleep quality, especially among young people. Aromatherapy alleviates psychological stress, and bergamot essential oil helps improve depression. This study aimed to verify whether bergamot essential oil use alleviates psychological stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic and improves sleep quality and morning wakefulness.

DESIGN

A placebo-controlled, randomized, open-label, two-arm, two-period crossover trial.

INTERVENTIONS

Each intervention period was 1 week, with a 1-week washout period between the two periods. Participants used a bergamot or placebo spray before bedtime and upon awakening in each period.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measures were sleep quality and morning wakefulness, assessed using the Ogri-Shirakawa-Azumi sleep inventory MA version (OSA-MA). The secondary outcome measures were depression, anxiety, and stress, assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21).

RESULTS

A total of 48 university students participated in the study. A significant improvement was observed in "sleepiness on rising," "refreshing on rising," and "sleep length" in the bergamot group. Additionally, a significant improvement was observed in depression, anxiety, and stress.

CONCLUSION

Using bergamot essential oil before bedtime helps relax the mind and body and provides sound sleep. It also improves mood and wakefulness when used upon awakening. Using aromatic essential oils is expected to relieve psychological stress and improve sleep quality and morning wakefulness.

The Use of Lavender Aromatherapy for Pain After Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Trial

A randomized clinical trial was conducted over a threemonth period with 102 participants undergoing a total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The study purpose was to assess whether there was a reduction in the use of opioids in the postoperative period for THA or TKA participants that utilized lavender aromatherapy as an adjunct to pain medication. The participants in the control and intervention group were administered nonopioid pain medication around the clock and opioids as needed after surgery. However, the intervention group also received a pre-packaged lavender essential oil inhaler. Total oral morphine equivalents (OME) were calculated for each participant to determine opioid usage. Although the total OME was similar for the groups overall, the total OME was slightly lower for THA patients that were enrolled in the intervention group (median 22.5) compared to THA patients that were enrolled in the control group (median 31.2). In the intervention group, 58% of participants reported that the lavender inhaler was a useful tool for pain management and 76% indicated they would continue to use the lavender inhaler after discharge.