Is there a difference in perceived stress relief when using a non-scented oil Vs a scented oil in soft tissue work? – An experimental study · Osteopathic Research Web

Is there a difference in perceived stress relief when using a non-scented oil Vs a scented oil in soft tissue work? – An experimental study

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Title: Is there a difference in perceived stress relief when using a non-scented oil Vs a scented oil in soft tissue work? – An experimental study
Author(s): Coulon, S
Abstract: Background: Stress is a natural response from our body when confronting situations or events. Stress can be present in a home, work, or an academic environment and can have an impact on an individual’s mental, emotional or physical health. In an academic environment, students are placed under a considerable amount of stress due to exam pressure and/or course work. Studies have demonstrated the potential of essential oil when associated with a physical treatment to help reduce perceived stress. Objective: To investigate the effects of non-scented base oil and lavender-scented base oil, during soft tissue work, on perceived stress.Design: A randomized quantitative feasibility study. Methods: A sample of 50 participants, including only students from the European School of Osteopathy (ESO) and over the age of 18. Participants excluded anyone outside of the ESO and presenting with any injury or diagnosed allergies. Participants were divided into a control group, consisting of a treatment with a non-scented oil, and an experimental group, consisting of treatment with a lavender scented base oil. Participants completed a Perceived Stress Scale Questionnaire (PSSQ) to determine their monthly stress levels, as well as a Visual Analogue Stress Scale (VASS) pre and post-treatment. All participants received a 5-minute created soft tissue massage routine with the allocated oil. The data was collected electronically and the main outcome was assessed using the VASS scores in order to determine if there was a significant difference between the groups before and after intervention. Results: The results revealed no statistical differences between intervention groups (p=0.689). Comparing the difference in stress relief between gender, males benefited more from soft tissue treatment, with a reduction of 43% in perceived stress without or 41% with essential oil. Females reported a larger reduction in perceived stress with lavender essential oil at 34% compared to the use of no essential oil at 25%. Results although non-significant revealed that women respond better to lavender scented oil compared to men. Discussion: Although no statistical significance was noted, a noticeable change in stress score was observed between the interventions pre and post-treatment. Within the timeframe of 5-minutes females were more responsive to lavender scent in comparison to males, who were less responsive to the essential oil however, when receiving a massage there was a reduction in stress levels. Nevertheless, further research is needed due to a low sample size of 50 participants and low treatment time, to improve the specificity of this topic. Conclusion: No significant difference was found when comparing the effects of aromatherapy and massage on an individual’s perceived stress.
presented at: European School of Osteopathy
Date Accepted: 2020
Date Submitted: 28.10.2020 18:08:18
Type: osteo_thesis
Language: English
Submitted by:: 62
Pub-Identifier: 16655
Inst-Identifier: 1229
Keywords: Aromatherapy, Perceived stress, Stress Relief,
Recommended: 0

Item sets: Thesis

Coulon, S, “Is there a difference in perceived stress relief when using a non-scented oil Vs a scented oil in soft tissue work? – An experimental study”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.osteopathic-research.com/s/orw/item/200