Lavender aromatherapy massage for wrist pain and movement in rheumatoid arthritis
Official title: The Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy Massage on Pain Intensity and Wrist Joint Mobility in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by University of Baghdad · NCT07456657 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether lavender aromatherapy massage added to usual care can reduce wrist pain and improve mobility in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Baghdad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hillah, Babil Governorate) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | October 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07456657 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 20-60 with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis on stable RA medications for at least 3 months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with acute joint inflammation, significant comorbidities, or lavender hypersensitivity may not experience benefit and may be excluded or derive little effect.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial enrolls adults with rheumatoid arthritis to compare lavender aromatherapy massage plus standard care versus standard care alone. Participants will be assigned to receive the massage intervention over a defined period, with pain intensity and wrist mobility measured before and after. The study aims to determine if the massage provides additional relief beyond standard RA treatments. Safety and tolerability of the aromatherapy approach will also be monitored. If effective, lavender aromatherapy massage could be considered as a complementary option for managing pain and improving wrist function in RA patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced wrist pain and improved wrist movement through a non-pharmacologic, complementary therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests aromatherapy and massage can reduce pain in some chronic conditions, but evidence in RA is limited and results have been mixed.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 20 to 60 years * Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis meeting the 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria * Seropositive for Rheumatoid Factor (RF) * Stable dosage of RA medications (NSAIDs, csDMARDs, bDMARDs) for at least 3 months prior to enrollment with commitment to maintain the regimen Exclusion Criteria: * Acute joint inflammation or infection in the hands or upper back during screening * Recent surgery (within 6 months) affecting hands or upper back * Dermal lesions, open wounds, infections, or significant vascular pathology at treatment sites * Serious comorbidities (uncontrolled diabetes, renal failure, cancer, severe cardiac/respiratory disease, coagulopathies, anticoagulant use) * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Previous lavender aromatherapy massage within 6 months * Documented hypersensitivity to lavender aromatherapy massage
Where it's running
-
Marjan Teaching Hospital
Hillah, Babil Governorate, Iraq Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Serwan Jafar Bakey, Phd — University of Baghdad, College of Nursing
- Study coordinator: Ethar Haider Fadhil, PhD Candidate
- Email: ethar.najm2102m@conursing.uobaghdad.edu.iq
- Phone: +9647810626779
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.