EFFECTS OF AROMATHERAPY AND REFLEXOLOGY ON PAIN, SLEEP, AND SATISFACTION IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

NCT07519291 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: HU-SHMYO-SK-02
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 90
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of aromatherapy and foot reflexology on pain, sleep quality, and parental satisfaction in children with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive neurodevelopmental disorder often associated with chronic pain and sleep disturbances, which negatively affect both children and their caregivers. A total of 90 children aged 6-12 years with a confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy were randomly assigned to three groups: aromatherapy, reflexology, and control. The aromatherapy group received lavender oil massage applied to the feet, while the reflexology group received targeted pressure to specific reflex points on the feet. The control group did not receive any intervention. Interventions were applied over a defined period, and outcomes were measured before and after the intervention. Pain levels, sleep quality, and parental satisfaction were assessed using validated measurement tools. The findings of this study aim to provide evidence on the effectiveness of non-invasive complementary therapies in improving clinical and caregiving outcomes in children with cerebral palsy.

Conditions

Pain; Sleep Disorder (Disorder); Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Keywords

aromatherapy; reflexology; pain; sleep; parental satisfaction; public health nursing

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Pain Level

  Pain levels were assessed using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, a validated tool ranging from 0 to 10. A score of 0 indicates no pain, and a score of 10 indicates the worst possible pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain severity.

  Baseline and 4 weeks after intervention

• Sleep Quality

  Sleep quality was evaluated using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). The total score ranges from 33 to 99, with higher scores indicating poorer sleep quality.

  Baseline and 4 weeks after intervention

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Parental Satisfaction

  After 4 weeks of intervention

Study Arms (3)

Aromatherapy Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group received aromatherapy intervention using lavender essential oil applied through foot massage. The intervention was administered according to a structured protocol over the study period. The aim was to reduce pain, improve sleep quality, and increase parental satisfaction in children with cerebral palsy.

Other: Aromatherapy

Reflexology Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group received foot reflexology, which involved applying manual pressure to specific reflex points on the soles of the feet. The intervention was implemented according to a structured protocol throughout the study period to reduce pain, improve sleep quality, and increase parental satisfaction in children with cerebral palsy.

Other: Reflexology

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in this group did not receive any intervention during the study period. They continued with their usual care and were assessed using the same outcome measures as the intervention groups.

Interventions

Aromatherapy OTHER

Lavender essential oil was applied through foot massage according to a structured protocol. The intervention aimed to promote relaxation, reduce pain, and improve sleep quality in children with cerebral palsy.

Aromatherapy Group

Reflexology OTHER

Manual pressure was applied to specific reflex points on the soles of the feet according to a structured protocol. The intervention aimed to reduce pain and improve sleep quality in children with cerebral palsy.

Reflexology Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 6 Years - 12 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Children diagnosed with cerebral palsy by a specialist physician
• Aged 6 to 12 years
• Having pain complaints or being suitable for pain assessment
• Having sleep problems or being suitable for sleep quality evaluation
• Parents willing to participate and providing written informed consent
• No health condition or history of allergic reactions preventing participation in aromatherapy or reflexology
• Ability to regularly participate in the intervention sessions

You may not qualify if:

• Known allergic reaction to essential oils used in aromatherapy
• Presence of skin integrity issues, infection, or orthopedic problems preventing reflexology
• Significant neurological changes during the study period, such as increased seizure frequency
• Inability to regularly attend intervention sessions or withdrawal from the study
• Incomplete or incorrectly filled data collection forms
• Voluntary withdrawal of the child or parent from the study
• Initiation of another complementary therapy or pharmacological change that may affect study outcomes

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hakkari Universitesi: lead

Study Sites (1)

Special Education and Rehabilitation Centers affiliated with the Ministry of National Education

Van, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy; Pain; Sleep Wake Disorders

Interventions

Aromatherapy; Musculoskeletal Manipulations

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Brain Damage, Chronic; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Mental Disorders

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Mind-Body Therapies; Complementary Therapies; Therapeutics; Phytotherapy; Sensory Art Therapies; Psychotherapy; Behavioral Disciplines and Activities; Physical Therapy Modalities; Rehabilitation

Study Officials

• SAMET KOLTAŞ, Lecturer PhD

  Hakkari Uviversity

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Masking Details: This study was conducted as an open-label trial. Due to the nature of the interventions (aromatherapy and reflexology), blinding of participants and care providers was not feasible.
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Lecturer (PhD)

Model Details: Participants were randomly assigned to three parallel groups: aromatherapy, reflexology, and control. Each group received its respective intervention simultaneously, and outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention period.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 2, 2026
• First Posted: April 9, 2026
• Study Start: August 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: December 1, 2025
• Study Completion: December 1, 2025
• Last Updated: April 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)