Does lavender inhalation enhance the effect of stretching exercise?: A pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial

Abstract

The purpose of this double-blind randomized controlled trial study was to determine whether lavender inhalation enhances the effect of stretching exercise. Participants comprised 34 healthy volunteers (14 men and 20 women). They were randomly assigned into 2 groups: lavender inhalation with stretching exercise group (lavender group) and placebo inhalation with stretching exercise group (placebo group). In the lavender group, stretching exercise was executed following inhalation of lavender essential oil for 10 min. In the placebo group, stretching exercise was executed following inhalation of water vapor for 10 min. The angle of straight leg raising (SLR), which is an assessment of flexibility, was examined to determine the effects of both treatments on the stretching exercise. In women, the SLR angle was significantly improved in the lavender group compared with the placebo group. However, no significant differences were found between the lavender and placebo group in men. In conclusion, lavender inhalation enhances the effect of stretching exercise in women alone.