Effects of Lavender Aromatherapy, Massage, and Combined Therapies on Muscle Soreness in Female Athletes: A Controlled Study

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of three different interventions—aromatherapy, massage, and a combination of both—on muscle pain in female athletes. Conducted with 32 participants from Van province's physical fitness sector, the research employed a quasi-experimental design to compare the efficacy of these interventions using lavender essential oil. Data were collected through pre-test and post-test assessments, focusing on muscle soreness levels experienced by the participants following competitive activities. Results indicated that while aromatherapy alone did not yield significant reductions in muscle pain (p = 0.080), massage therapy demonstrated a statistically significant impact in alleviating muscle discomfort (p = 0.001). These findings align with existing literature that supports the effectiveness of massage in managing pain, while highlighting the limitations of aromatherapy when applied in isolation. The study underscores the potential of massage as a non-invasive intervention for pain relief in athletic populations and suggests that further exploration of combined therapeutic approaches could enhance recovery outcomes for athletes.