The effect of back massage with frankincense and myrrh oil before the cardiac electrophysiological procedure on back pain intensity and comfort: A single-blind randomized controlled trial

Abstract

ContextBack pain is one of the most common problems experienced by patients after the cardiac electrophysiological study procedure. In addition, limitation of movement after the procedure negatively affects the comfort and satisfaction of patients. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of back massage with frankincense and myrrh oil on back pain severity and comfort in patients who were to undergo cardiac electrophysiological study. MethodsThis is a randomized controlled study with a pretest–posttest design. This study was conducted from October 2020 to March 2021, at the angio unit of a heart hospital at a university in Turkey. The study was completed with 30 patients in each group, a total of 90 people. Data were collected using a patient information form, a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the General Comfort Questionnaire (GCQ). The intervention group and the placebo group received back massage with frankincense and myrrh essential oil and with jojoba fixed oil respectively. No intervention was applied to the control group. ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between the post-procedure VAS values according to the groups. Except for sociocultural comfort, there were significant differences between the groups in terms of GCQ total scores and subscales at the first and last follow-up. ConclusionsBack massage with frankincense and myrrh oil increased overall comfort, physical comfort, the psychospiritual comfort. Additional research with a rigorous design is needed to determine its effect on pain.