Soden, K., Vincent, K., Craske, S., Lucas, C., & Ashley, S. (2004). A randomized controlled trial of aromatherapy massage in a hospice setting. Palliative Medicine, 18, 87–92.

To evaluate the effects of massage and aromatherapy on pain scores (primary aim), and to improve sleep, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve overall quality of life (secondary aims), in patients with advanced cancer

The intervention was a course of massage therapy with and without an essential oil (aromatherapy). Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups:

1. Massage with lavender oil
2. Massage with inert oil
3. Control group

• The sample included 42 patients receiving palliative cancer care.
• The aromatherapy group had 16 patients, the massage group had 13 patients, and the control group had 13 patients.

Major hospitals and hospices in the United Kingdom

A randomized controlled trial design was used.

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)

There were no statistically significant differences between the groups—aromatherapy or massage—in anxiety reduction (p = 0.95–1.0).

• Sample sizes were small.
• The trial demonstrated the difficulty of studying this population. Participants were fatigued, had poor performance statuses, and often could not complete the questionnaires. These factors contributed to the high attrition rate.
• The trial had considerable cost implications in terms of training, nursing time, and equipment.