Korean J Adult Nurs.  2022 Feb;34(1):62-73. 10.7475/kjan.2022.34.1.62.

The Comparative Effects of Aroma Essential Oil Inhalation and Music Listening on Stress Response, Vital Signs, and Bispectral Index of Healthy Adults

• Jae-Kyeum L
• Myung-Haeng H

• KMID: 2526696
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7475/kjan.2022.34.1.62

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to compare and verify the effects of aroma essential oil inhalation and music listening on stress response, vital signs, and bispectral index.
Methods
In a randomized controlled trial design, the participants consisted of healthy adults aged 20~50 years who were randomly assigned to the Aroma essential oil inhalation Group (AG), Music Listening Group (MLG), or control group. The AG inhaled aroma essential oil for 10 minutes, the MLG listened to music for 10 minutes, and the control group took a break for 10 minutes. Stressors introduced to the participants included 70 dB of white noise and an arithmetic calculation.
Results
The perceived stress was significantly different between three groups at 10 minutes and 30 minutes after the intervention. The stress responses of the AG and MLG were significantly lower than that of the control group. At 10 minutes and 30 minutes after the intervention, there were significant differences in the Bispectral index (BIS) between three groups, and the BIS of the AG and MLG were significantly lower than that of the control group. At 30 minutes after the intervention, the stress index, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate were significantly different between three groups.
Conclusion
Aroma essential oil inhalation and music listening are effective nursing interventions as they reduce stress, stabilize vital signs, and have sedative effects in healthy adults who perceive stress.

Keyword

Aromatherapy; Music; Stress; Psychological; Blood pressure; Heart rate