NCT07456657

Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy Massage on Pain and Wrist Mobility in Rheumatoid Arthritis

The Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy Massage on Pain Intensity and Wrist Joint Mobility in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 100 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Baghdad · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 20 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of lavender aromatherapy massage on pain intensity and wrist joint mobility in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive lavender aromatherapy massage in addition to standard care or standard care alone. Pain intensity and wrist mobility will be measured before and after the intervention period. The findings of this study may provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of complementary therapies in reducing pain and improving joint function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Detailed description

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, particularly affecting small joints such as the wrist. Despite pharmacological treatments, many patients continue to experience persistent pain and functional limitations. Lavender aromatherapy massage is considered a complementary therapy that may help reduce pain and improve circulation and joint flexibility through both mechanical stimulation and the therapeutic properties of lavender essential oil. This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of lavender aromatherapy massage on pain intensity and wrist joint mobility in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned into two groups: an intervention group receiving lavender aromatherapy massage in addition to routine medical care, and a control group receiving routine medical care only. Pain intensity will be assessed using a standardized pain scale, and wrist joint mobility will be measured using appropriate clinical assessment tools before and after the intervention period. The results of this study may contribute to evidence-based practice by determining whether lavender aromatherapy massage can be recommended as a safe and effective complementary intervention for managing pain and improving joint mobility in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Conditions

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Lavender Aromatherapy Massage	Massage therapy using lavender essential oil applied to the wrist according to the study protocol.
OTHER	Inert Almond Oil Massage	Massage using inert almond oil without lavender essential oil, applied with the same duration and procedure as the experimental group.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-04-01
• Primary completion: 2026-12-01
• Completion: 2027-02-01
• First posted: 2026-03-06
• Last updated: 2026-03-10