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.
Participants were randomly allocated to receive weekly massages with either lavender (aromatherapy group), an inert carrier oil (massage group), or no intervention. The two massage groups received a 30-minute back massage weekly for four weeks. Scales were completed the week before the first treatment and in the week after the last massage.
Significant long-term benefits of aromatherapy or massage were not demonstrated for pain, anxiety, or quality of life. A statistically significant reduction in depression scores was present in the massage group.