A literature review evaluating the role of Swedish massage and aromatherapy massage to alleviate the anxiety of oncology patients

Introduction: Research into the anxiety relief of oncology patients resulting from Swedish massage and aromatherapy massage techniques has often been underfunded, resulting in small cohorts and sometimes poor methodology of the studies undertaken. A review of the literature was undertaken to investigate results of research that has been performed in this area, in order to provide evidence for practice. Only one systematic review has been carried out specifically addressing anxiety relief in oncology using aromatherapy massage, which is now outdated, and it was perceived that a gap in the body of knowledge exists. Methodology: Articles were retrieved from four appropriate databases using combinations of terms, such as: anxiety, radiotherapy and aromatherapy. A hand search was also carried out of grey literature. Retrieved articles were sorted by inclusion criteria and then scrutinised. A critique framework was devised drawing on the concepts of appropriate critiques used in literature. Results: Intervention deliveries varied across trials according to the authors' treatment philosophies, and whether the therapists were allowed autonomy in the treatment process. Some trials were of poor quality thereby reducing the validity of the evidence. Cohorts were often smaller than desirable, however, of greatest concern was poor trial designs and methodologies used in some trials, leading to potential bias, lack of validity and misleading results. Overall, the results of the review demonstrated immediate anxiety relief associated with both treatments. Evidence for intermediate relief is compelling but less conclusive. Conclusion: The immediate effects of massage treatments lends itself for use with oncology patients experiencing heightened anxiety, caused by concern over impending procedures. Protocols for a course of treatments should be devised to ensure continued symptom relief. Further research is needed to better establish the efficacy of massage therapies and to reach a consensus about the optimal delivery methods.