Journal of Korean Academy of Adult Nursing  2008;20(6):839-851

The Effect of Aroma-therapy Combined with Heat Application on the Pain, Range of Motion of Lower limb Joint, and Discomfort of Activities of Daily Living among Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Jeong Eon PARK 1 ; Myung Ae KIM ; Dong Ho OH

Affiliations

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Keywords

Aromatherapy; Pain; ROM; Discomfort activities on daily living; Rheumatoid arthritis

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to examine the effects of aroma-therapy combined with heat application on pain, ROM of lower limb joints, and discomfort from activities of daily living(ADL) among the patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: Aroma blended oil was rubbed over the knees and ankles of 19 experimental group A and 20 B, and then heat therapy was given using an electric hot & wet poultice pad to only group A. There was no treatment on the 19 control group. There was measured for pain, ROM of lower limb joints and discomfort of ADL. The data was analyzed using SPSS/WIN 11.0 program. RESULTS: In comparing the effects of pain reduction by time, the ROM of lower limb joints, and discomfort of ADL, there were significant differences among three groups. There was no significant difference between experimental group in pain scale by time, range of ROM of knee and ankle joint and discomfort of ADL. CONCLUSION: On the basis of results, aroma-therapy can be applied as a nursing intervention to reduce pain for not only rheumatoid arthritis patients but also for other patients with other diseases.