The Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on Cramp Frequency, Pain Intensity, and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients With Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps, which are frequently encountered in hemodialysis patients, affect individuals bio-psycho-socially, limit their activities of daily living, and reduce their quality of life. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of aromatherapy massage applied in 12 sessions over 4 weeks on cramp frequency, pain severity, and quality of life. The study was conducted as a pretest-posttest, randomized controlled, and single-blinded using a quantitative and qualitative research design. The sample consisted of 94 individuals randomized into 3 groups: intervention (n = 30), placebo control (n = 32), and control (n = 32). Received foot and lower leg massage with essential oils for the intervention group and baby oil for the placebo control group. Muscle cramp and pain were measured by visual analog scale (VAS), and quality of life was measured by Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index-Dialysis Version III. Qualitative data were collected with an individual interview form. In both the intervention and placebo control groups, cramp frequency and pain intensity decreased, while quality of life improved ( P < .05). Patients' activities of daily living improved. Aromatherapy massage was more effective in the first weeks and also decreased l -carnitine and analgesic consumption ( P < .05). The obtained qualitative data supported the quantitative data. Aromatherapy and classical massage helped reduce patients' muscle cramps and pain. Patients' quality of life and activities of daily living improved. Aromatherapy massage was more effective in managing muscle cramps.