Balneotherapy in elderly patients: effect on pain from degenerative knee and spine conditions and on quality of life

Authors: Gaál J (1) , Varga J (2) , Szekanecz Z (3) , Kurkó J (3) , Ficzere A (4) , Bodolay E (5) , Bender T (6)

Affiliations:

(1) Department of Rheumatology, Kenézy Gyula County Hospital (2) Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Debrecen, Medical and Health Science Center (3) 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Division, University of Debrecen, Medical and Health Science Center (4) Aquaticum Ltd., Balneotherapy Unit (5) 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Immunology, University of Debrecen, Medical and Health Science Center (6) Polyclinic of the Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God

Source: Isr Med Assoc J. 2008 May;10(5):365-9

DOI: Not specified Publication date: 2008 May E-Publication date: Not specified Availability: abstract Copyright: Not specified

Language: English Countries: Hungary Location: Not specified Correspondence address: gaalja@freemail.hu

Keywords

Article abstract

BACKGROUND:

Balneotherapy is an established treatment modality for musculoskeletal disease, but few studies have examined the efficacy of spa therapy in elderly patients with degenerative spine and joint diseases.

OBJECTIVES:

To assess the effects of balneotherapy on chronic musculoskeletal pain, functional capacity, and quality of life in elderly patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or with chronic low back pain.

METHODS:

The 81 patients in the study group underwent a 1 day course of 30 minute daily baths in mineral water. Changes were evaluated in the following parameters: pain intensity, functional capacity, quality of life, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs, subjective disease severity perceived by the patients, investigator-rated disease severity, and severity of pain perceived by the patients. We analyzed the results of 76 subjects as 5 did not complete the study.

RESULTS:

Compared to baseline, all monitored parameters were significantly improved by balneotherapy in both investigated groups. Moreover, the favorable effect was prolonged for 3 months after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study showed that balneotherapy is an effective treatment modality in elderly patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or with chronic low back pain, and its benefits last for at least 3 months after treatment.

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