EFFECTS OF AROMATHERAPY AND REFLEXOLOGY ON PAIN, SLEEP, AND SATISFACTION IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRA… (NCT07519291) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
EFFECTS OF AROMATHERAPY AND REFLEXOLOGY ON PAIN, SLEEP, AND SATISFACTION IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY
Turkey (Türkiye)90 participantsStarted 2025-08-01
Plain-language 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.
Who can participate
Age range
6 Years – 12 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* 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
Exclusion Criteria:
* 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
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Pain Level
Timeframe: Baseline and 4 weeks after intervention
2
Sleep Quality
Timeframe: Baseline and 4 weeks after intervention