Benefits of a 3-week Outpatient Balneotherapy Programme on Patient-Reported Outcomes

Authors: Bernard PL (1) , Ninot G (2) , Raffort N (3) , Aliaga B (3) , Gamon L (4) , Faucanie M (4) , Picot MC (4) , Maurelli O (1) , Pla S (1) , Soriteau L (5) , Bousquet J (6) , Blain H (1,7)

Affiliations:

(1) Euromov, University of Montpellier (2) Desbrest Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health (IDESP) (3) Société Publique Locale d'Exploitation de Balaruc-les-Bains (4) Department of Medical Information, University Hospital of Montpellier, University de Montpellier 1 (5) Hospital St Clair. Hospital of Bassin de Thau (6) MACVIA-LR, Contre les MAladies Chroniques pour un VIeillissement Actif en Languedoc-Roussillon, European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing Reference Site (7) Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Antonin Balmes Center, University Hospital of Montpellier

Source: Aging Clin Exp Res . 2020 Jun 20. doi: 10.1007/s40520-020-01634-9

Language: English Countries: France Location: Not specified Correspondence address: pierre-louis.bernard@umontpellier.fr

Keywords

Article abstract

Background: Analysis of the health profile of participants aged over 65 has been initiated in balneotherapy.

Aims: To determine the benefits of a 3-week outpatient balneotherapy program on patient-reported outcomes.

Methods: Our sample consisted of 1471 people. The average age of the study population was 72.5 years (± 5.1) and 67% of the participants were females. Symptoms intensity was measured by visual analogue scale, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) with the EQ5D questionnaire before and after the program. Changes of perceived functional status were rated using a 3-point Likert scale.

Results: The results indicated a significant increase in the fear of falling and a decrease in fatigue. EQ5D reveals a significant improvement after the program. The perceived change scores remained stable, except for anxiety/depression.

Conclusions: The study indicated significant improvements of HRQL and a decrease of perception of fatigue and anxiety in elderly people participants in a 3-week balneological programme.

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