Balneotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis at the Dead Sea

Authors: Sukenik S (1) , Neumann L , Flusser D , Kleiner-Baumgarten A , Buskila D

Affiliations:

(1) Departement of Medicine D, Soroka Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Source: Isr J Med Sci. 1995 Apr;31(4):210-4

DOI: Not specified Publication date: 1995 Apr E-Publication date: Not specified Availability: abstract Copyright: Not specified

Language: English Countries: Israel Location: Ein Gedi Spa Correspondence address: Not specified

Keywords

Article abstract

Thirty-six patients with active rheumatoid arthritis were treated for 12 days at the Ein Gedi Spa. The patients were allocated randomly to four study groups. Group 1 (n = 9) was treated with daily baths in the Dead Sea, group 2 (n = 9) was treated with daily sulphur baths, group 3 (n = 10) was treated with a combination of daily Dead Sea bathing and sulphur baths, and group 4 (n = 8) served as a control group. All patients were assessed by a rheumatologist who was blinded to the treatment modalities and group allocation. Clinical parameters assessed included: duration of morning stiffness, 15 m walk time, grip strength, activities of daily living, patient's assessment of disease severity, number of active joints, and the Ritchie articular index. Statistically significant improvement lasting up to 3 months was observed only in the three treatment groups.

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