Comparison of the Effects of Music Therapy and Aromatherapy on Physiological Indices in Surgical Patients: A Randomized Parallel‐Group Trial

Maintaining stable physiological indices is essential in postoperative ICU care, yet the effects of music therapy and aromatherapy on these indices remain limited and inconclusive. This study compared the effects of music therapy and 25% rosemary aromatherapy on ICU patients recovering from surgery. Ninety‐two general surgery patients were randomly assigned to four groups: music therapy, aromatherapy, combined therapy (music and aromatherapy), or control. Data included demographic information and physiological indices. Music therapy involved 30 min of instrumental music; the aromatherapy group received 25% rosemary oil; the combination therapy group received both; the control group received a placebo aroma and turned off the headphones. Analysis with SPSS‐18 showed that combination therapy and aromatherapy significantly reduced respiratory rate. Only the combination therapy group showed a notable increase in oxygen saturation. Aromatherapy also significantly decreased pulse rate, while neither music therapy nor control had significant effects on respiratory rate. No group showed significant changes in blood pressure. These noninvasive, cost‐effective interventions are recommended for ICU care. Trial Registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20100913004736N27