The Effect of Massage With Lavender Oil on Restless Leg Syndrome in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Overview

Journal Nurs Midwifery Stud

Specialty Nursing

Date 2016 Feb 3

PMID 26835466

Citations 15

Authors

Sayyed Hossein Hashemi

Ali Hajbagheri

Mohammad Aghajani

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a common problem in patients with chronic renal failure. It can reduce the quality of life and sleep disturbances. This disorder is usually treated pharmacologically. Recently, complementary medicine methods have been suggested because of chemical drugs adverse effects. There is not enough evidence about the effect of aromatherapy on RLS.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of massage with lavender oil on RLS symptoms in hemodialysis patients.

Patients And Methods: This randomized clinical trial study included 70 hemodialysis patients with RLS that were randomly assigned into two groups in 2014. The experimental group received effleurage massage using lavender oil and control group received routine care for three weeks. Data was collected with RLS questionnaire and analyzed using independent and paired t-test and Chi-square test.

Results: The mean RLS scores were not significantly different in the two groups at the start of study (22.41 ± 7.67 vs. 22.90 ± 4.38, P = 0.76). At the end of study, the mean RLS score significantly decreased in the intervention group, while this score remained relatively un-changed in the control group (12.41 ± 5.49 vs. 23.23 ± 4.52, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: Lavender oil massage was effective to improve RLS in hemodialysis patients. It has no adverse effects, is practical and cost-effective. It is suggested to be used along with routine treatment of RLS in hemodialysis patients.

Citing Articles

Efficacy of Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Managing Restless Leg Syndrome in Hemodialysis Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study in South India.

Angelina K, Vaithilingan S, Panneerselvam P J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2025; 16(Suppl 5):S4455-S4458.

PMID: 40061719 PMC: 11888704. DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_937_24.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Virgin Coconut Oil Effleurage in Alleviating Pain in Hemodialysis Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Study in an Urban Tertiary Care Center in South India.

Angelina K, Vaithilingan S, Ragunathan L, Kannan V J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2025; 16(Suppl 5):S4484-S4487.

PMID: 40061691 PMC: 11888640. DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1010_24.

The Effect of Massage, Acupressure and Reflexology on Restless Legs Syndrome Severity and Sleep Quality in Patients Receiving Haemodialysis Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Doner A, Tasci S, Bilgin A Nurs Open. 2025; 12(2):e70135.

PMID: 39905773 PMC: 11794833. DOI: 10.1002/nop2.70135.

Frequency of Restless Legs Syndrome in Pakistani Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Butt N, Ghoauri M, Waris U, Sabeh D, Qaisar F Cureus. 2024; 16(6):e62624.

PMID: 39027768 PMC: 11257648. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62624.

The Effect of Aromatherapy with Lavender on Pain of Needle Insertion and Severity of Restless Legs Syndrome in Hemodialysis Patients; a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Izadi F, Mazhari S, Najafi M, Ashoobi M, Sarafi M, Karkhah S Arch Acad Emerg Med. 2023; 12(1):e4.

PMID: 38022715 PMC: 10674070. DOI: 10.22037/aaem.v12i1.2071.

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