Effect on osteoarthritis of spa therapy at Bourbonne-les-Bains

Authors: Guillemin F (1) , Virion JM , Escudier P , De Talancé N , Weryha G

Affiliations:

(1) Epidemiology and Clinical Evaluation Department, UPRES EA 1124, CHU de Nancy, Hôpital Marin

Source: Joint Bone Spine. 2001 Dec;68(6):499-503

DOI: Not specified Publication date: 2001 Dec E-Publication date: Not specified Availability: abstract Copyright: Not specified

Language: English Countries: France Location: Bourbonne-les-Bains Correspondence address: eval@chu-nancy.fr

Keywords

osteoarthritis

Article abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Several studies suggest a beneficial overall effect of spa therapy in chronic musculoskeletal diseases. The present open controlled study investigated the effects of spa therapy at Bourbonne-Les-Bains, France, in patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis or low back pain.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

In 1998, 102 men and women older than 50 years were included in the study. All had low back pain or lower limb osteoarthritis, and none had contraindications to spa therapy. Quality of life was assessed three times at intervals of 4 weeks, twice before and once immediately after 3 weeks of spa therapy, using the Duke Health Profile (five dimensions and five dysfunctions).

RESULTS:

Mean age was 66.4 years, and 67% of the patients were women. Quality of life was markedly decreased as compared to the population at large (1996, CFES). The two pretreatment evaluations produced similar quality-of-life scores. Spa therapy was associated with significant improvements in overall quality of life (P=0.004), self-esteem (P=0.009), and pain (P=0.01).

CONCLUSION:

These findings support those of other studies conducted in France and in other European countries. They indicate that patients report meaningful improvements in their quality of life after spa therapy.

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