Postoperative Pain, AcuteNCT07743736
Aromatherapy and Massage After Cesarean Delivery
A study testing Aromatherapy Inhalation and Aromatherapy-Assisted Back Massage in people with Postoperative Pain, Acute and Anxiety, Postpartum, run by Uşak University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Cesarean delivery is a common surgical procedure associated with postoperative pain, anxiety, and reduced maternal comfort during the early postpartum period. Non-pharmacological interventions such as aromatherapy and massage have been suggested as supportive approaches for improving maternal well-being; however… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Postoperative Pain, Acute, Anxiety, Postpartum, Postpartum Comfort
- What is being tested?
- Aromatherapy Inhalation and Aromatherapy-Assisted Back Massage
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 90 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 23 Feb 2026to 31 Jul 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Women aged 18-40 years Primiparous women Undergoing cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia Term pregnancy (38-42 gestational weeks) Able to communicate and complete study questionnaires Willing to participate and provide written informed consent No known allergy to essential oils Intact sense of smell
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Usak University Training and Research Hospital
Uşak, Uşak, 64200
About this study
Official title: Effects of Aromatherapy and Massage on Pain, Anxiety, and Comfort After Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Cesarean delivery is a common surgical procedure associated with postoperative pain, anxiety, and reduced maternal comfort during the early postpartum period. Non-pharmacological interventions such as aromatherapy and massage have been suggested as supportive approaches for improving maternal well-being; however, further evidence is needed regarding their effectiveness after cesarean delivery.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of aromatherapy inhalation and aromatherapy-assisted back massage on postoperative pain, anxiety, and postpartum comfort in women after cesarean delivery.
Read more
Participants who meet the eligibility criteria will be randomly assigned to three groups: an aromatherapy inhalation group, an aromatherapy-assisted back massage group, and a placebo group receiving sterile water inhalation as a simulation. Interventions will be initiated after cesarean delivery, and outcomes will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale for pain intensity, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for anxiety level, and the Postpartum Comfort Scale for comfort level.
This study is expected to provide information about the potential contribution of complementary non-pharmacological interventions to maternal recovery after cesarean delivery.
Read the detailed description
Cesarean delivery is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures worldwide and is commonly associated with postoperative pain, anxiety, and decreased maternal comfort during the early postpartum period. Effective management of these symptoms is important for maternal recovery, early mobilization, breastfeeding, and overall postpartum well-being.
Pharmacological approaches are commonly used for postoperative symptom management; however, interest in complementary non-pharmacological interventions has increased due to their potential supportive effects and ease of application. Aromatherapy and massage are among the approaches used to promote relaxation, reduce perceived discomfort, and improve psychological well-being.
This randomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the effects of aromatherapy-based interventions on postoperative recovery outcomes among women after cesarean delivery. The study compares aromatherapy inhalation, aromatherapy-assisted massage, and placebo conditions to evaluate their potential effects on maternal pain, anxiety, and comfort during the early postoperative period.
The results of this study may contribute to the evidence regarding the use of complementary supportive interventions in postpartum care following cesarean delivery.
- Being tested
- Aromatherapy Inhalation, Aromatherapy-Assisted Back Massage, placebo inhalation
- Keywords
- cesarean delivery, postoperative pain, Aromatherapy, Postpartum comfort, Randomized controlled trial, Anxiety
- Medical subject headings
- Pain, Postoperative, Anxiety Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Aromatherapy InhalationBehavioural
Participants will receive aromatherapy inhalation using Rosa damascena essential oil beginning at the 6th postoperative hour after cesarean delivery. For each session, 2 drops of Rosa damascena essential oil will be applied to a sterile gauze and held approximately 10 cm from the participant's nose. Participants will breathe normally during the inhalation period. The intervention will be performed at 6, 18, 30, and 42 hours after surgery, with each session lasting 10 minutes.
Aromatherapy-Assisted Back MassageBehavioural
Participants will receive aromatherapy-assisted back massage beginning at the 6th postoperative hour after cesarean delivery. The massage will be applied to the upper and lower back regions using Rosa damascena essential oil diluted to 3% with sweet almond carrier oil. The intervention will be performed at 6, 18, 30, and 42 hours after surgery according to the study protocol. Participants will be positioned in a comfortable lateral or sitting position during the massage application.
placebo inhalationBehavioural
Participants will receive placebo inhalation using sterile water as a simulation of aromatherapy. The intervention will begin at the 6th postoperative hour after cesarean delivery and will be administered at 6, 18, 30, and 42 hours after surgery. Each session will follow the same procedure and duration as the aromatherapy inhalation group according to the study protocol.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Aromatherapy Inhalation Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive aromatherapy inhalation beginning at the 6th postoperative hour after cesarean delivery. The intervention will be administered at 6, 18, 30, and 42 hours after surgery using Rosa damascena essential oil according to the study protocol. Pain, anxiety, and postpartum comfort outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention sessions according to the study protocol. Receives: Behavioral: Aromatherapy Inhalation |
| Aromatherapy-Assisted Back Massage Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive aromatherapy-assisted back massage starting at the 6th postoperative hour after cesarean delivery. The intervention will be administered at 6, 18, 30, and 42 hours after surgery. Back massage will be performed using Rosa damascena essential oil diluted with a carrier oil according to the study protocol. Pain, anxiety, and postpartum comfort outcomes will be assessed before and after each intervention session. Receives: Behavioral: Aromatherapy-Assisted Back Massage |
| Placebo Group | Placebo comparator | Participants in this group will receive placebo inhalation beginning at the 6th postoperative hour after cesarean delivery. The intervention will be administered at 6, 18, 30, and 42 hours after surgery using sterile water as a simulation of aromatherapy according to the study protocol. Pain, anxiety, and postpartum comfort outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention sessions according to the study protocol. Receives: Behavioral: placebo inhalation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Postoperative pain intensity
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a 0-10 scale in which higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
Measured: From 6 to 42 hours after cesarean delivery (before and after each intervention session)
Secondary outcomes (2)
Anxiety level
Anxiety level will be assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), including the State Anxiety and Trait Anxiety subscales. Higher scores indicate higher anxiety levels.
Measured: Before the first intervention session and after the final intervention session (42 hours after cesarean delivery).
Postpartum comfort level
Postpartum comfort level will be assessed using the Postpartum Comfort Scale. The scale evaluates physical, sociocultural, and psychospiritual comfort dimensions. Higher scores indicate higher postpartum comfort levels.
Measured: Before the first intervention session and after the final intervention session (42 hours after cesarean delivery).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted4 Aug 2026
- Study start23 Feb 2026
- Primary completion31 Jul 2026
- Study completion31 Jul 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Postoperative Pain, AcuteStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three parallel groups: aromatherapy inhalation, aromatherapy-assisted back massage, or placebo group. Outcomes will be compared between groups after the intervention period.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Uşak University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Şeyma Çatalgöl, Uşak University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07743736
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 958-958-26
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 29 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 1 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 1 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Aromatherapy and Massage on Pain, Anxiety, and Comfort After Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07743736
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 958-958-26
- Keywords
- cesarean delivery, postoperative pain, Aromatherapy, Postpartum comfort, Randomized controlled trial, Anxiety
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Uşak UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 23 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Jul 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 4 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Cesarean delivery is a common surgical procedure associated with postoperative pain, anxiety, and reduced maternal comfort during the early postpartum period. Non-pharmacological interventions such as aromatherapy and massage have been suggested as supportive approaches for improving maternal well-being; however, further evidence is needed regarding their effectiveness after cesarean delivery.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of aromatherapy inhalation and aromatherapy-assisted back massage on postoperative pain, anxiety, and postpartum comfort in women after cesarean delivery.
Participants who meet the eligibility criteria will be randomly assigned to three groups: an aromatherapy inhalation group, an aromatherapy-assisted back massage group, and a placebo group receiving sterile water inhalation as a simulation. Interventions will be initiated after cesarean delivery, and outcomes will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale for pain intensity, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for anxiety level, and the Postpartum Comfort Scale for comfort level.
This study is expected to provide information about the potential contribution of complementary non-pharmacological interventions to maternal recovery after cesarean delivery.
Detailed description
Cesarean delivery is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures worldwide and is commonly associated with postoperative pain, anxiety, and decreased maternal comfort during the early postpartum period. Effective management of these symptoms is important for maternal recovery, early mobilization, breastfeeding, and overall postpartum well-being.
Pharmacological approaches are commonly used for postoperative symptom management; however, interest in complementary non-pharmacological interventions has increased due to their potential supportive effects and ease of application. Aromatherapy and massage are among the approaches used to promote relaxation, reduce perceived discomfort, and improve psychological well-being.
This randomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the effects of aromatherapy-based interventions on postoperative recovery outcomes among women after cesarean delivery. The study compares aromatherapy inhalation, aromatherapy-assisted massage, and placebo conditions to evaluate their potential effects on maternal pain, anxiety, and comfort during the early postoperative period.
The results of this study may contribute to the evidence regarding the use of complementary supportive interventions in postpartum care following cesarean delivery.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three parallel groups: aromatherapy inhalation, aromatherapy-assisted back massage, or placebo group. Outcomes will be compared between groups after the intervention period.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Aromatherapy Inhalation Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Aromatherapy InhalationParticipants in this group will receive aromatherapy inhalation beginning at the 6th postoperative hour after cesarean delivery. The intervention will be administered at 6, 18, 30, and 42 hours after surgery using Rosa damascena essential oil according to the study protocol. Pain, anxiety, and postpartum comfort outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention sessions according to the study protocol. |
| Aromatherapy-Assisted Back Massage Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Aromatherapy-Assisted Back MassageParticipants in this group will receive aromatherapy-assisted back massage starting at the 6th postoperative hour after cesarean delivery. The intervention will be administered at 6, 18, 30, and 42 hours after surgery. Back massage will be performed using Rosa damascena essential oil diluted with a carrier oil according to the study protocol. Pain, anxiety, and postpartum comfort outcomes will be assessed before and after each intervention session. |
| Placebo Group | Placebo comparator | Behavioral: placebo inhalationParticipants in this group will receive placebo inhalation beginning at the 6th postoperative hour after cesarean delivery. The intervention will be administered at 6, 18, 30, and 42 hours after surgery using sterile water as a simulation of aromatherapy according to the study protocol. Pain, anxiety, and postpartum comfort outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention sessions according to the study protocol. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Aromatherapy InhalationParticipants will receive aromatherapy inhalation using Rosa damascena essential oil beginning at the 6th postoperative hour after cesarean delivery. For each session, 2 drops of Rosa damascena essential oil will be applied to a sterile gauze and held approximately 10 cm from the participant's nose. Participants will breathe normally during the inhalation period. The intervention will be performed at 6, 18, 30, and 42 hours after surgery, with each session lasting 10 minutes. | Behavioural | Aromatherapy Inhalation Group |
| Aromatherapy-Assisted Back MassageParticipants will receive aromatherapy-assisted back massage beginning at the 6th postoperative hour after cesarean delivery. The massage will be applied to the upper and lower back regions using Rosa damascena essential oil diluted to 3% with sweet almond carrier oil. The intervention will be performed at 6, 18, 30, and 42 hours after surgery according to the study protocol. Participants will be positioned in a comfortable lateral or sitting position during the massage application. | Behavioural | Aromatherapy-Assisted Back Massage Group |
| placebo inhalationParticipants will receive placebo inhalation using sterile water as a simulation of aromatherapy. The intervention will begin at the 6th postoperative hour after cesarean delivery and will be administered at 6, 18, 30, and 42 hours after surgery. Each session will follow the same procedure and duration as the aromatherapy inhalation group according to the study protocol. | Behavioural | Placebo Group |
Primary outcome
Postoperative pain intensity
Time frame: From 6 to 42 hours after cesarean delivery (before and after each intervention session)
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a 0-10 scale in which higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
2 secondary outcomes
Anxiety level
Time frame: Before the first intervention session and after the final intervention session (42 hours after cesarean delivery).
Postpartum comfort level
Time frame: Before the first intervention session and after the final intervention session (42 hours after cesarean delivery).
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 1 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Aromatherapy Inhalation and Aromatherapy-Assisted Back Massage in people with Postoperative Pain, Acute and Anxiety, Postpartum, run by Uşak University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 1 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Postoperative pain intensity (time frame: From 6 to 42 hours after cesarean delivery (before and after each intervention session)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 1 Sep 2026.