Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis is the most common articular cartilage disease. The
purpose of this study was to compare the effects of massage therapy and aromatherapy
(Lavender essential oil) on fatigue in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Methods: In this clinical trial, 93 patients referred to the Imam Ali Clinic in Shahrekord, Iran,
were included. The patients were randomly assigned to 3 equal groups of massage therapy,
aromatherapy (Lavender essential oil), and control by blocked randomization. Data were
collected using demographic characteristics questionnaire and the Multidimensional Fatigue
Inventory (MFI). Fatigue scores in the three groups were determined before intervention and
in the 5th and 10th sessions after intervention.
Results: No significant differences in demographic characteristics were observed between the
groups. There was a significant reduction in fatigue score in the aromatherapy group when
compared to the control group (P<0.001). However, no statistically significant difference
was observed in fatigue scores at different intervals between the control and massage therapy
groups.
Conclusion: Since knee osteoarthritis has no definite treatment, aromatherapy can lead to
improving fatigue in patients with the diseas
