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Spa therapy for generalized osteoarthritis: an open, observational, preliminary study
Fatma Begüm Erol1, Romain J Forestier2, Fulya Demircioğlu Güneri3
1Istanbul Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Therapie
|December 24, 2014
Summary
Spa therapy significantly improved generalized osteoarthritis (GOA) symptoms in 61% of patients, with sustained benefits observed up to 8 months. This treatment approach appears well-tolerated, offering a promising option for managing GOA.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Balneology
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Background:
- Generalized osteoarthritis (GOA) is a chronic condition characterized by joint pain and functional limitations.
- Current management strategies often involve pharmacotherapy and physical interventions, with varying degrees of efficacy.
- Spa therapy, utilizing natural resources like mineral water and mud, presents a complementary approach for GOA management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a comprehensive spa therapy regimen in patients with generalized osteoarthritis.
- To assess the short-term and medium-term outcomes of spa treatment on patient-reported symptoms and functional status.
- To determine the tolerability and safety profile of the prescribed spa interventions.
Main Methods:
- An open, prospective study involving 99 patients diagnosed with GOA.
- A 18-day treatment protocol incorporating six distinct spa modalities, including mineral water applications, peloidotherapy, hydrotherapy, massage, water exercise, and various pool baths.
- Primary outcome: clinically relevant improvement in 50% of patients; secondary outcomes included patient acceptable symptom state and OMERACT-OARSI criteria. Intention-to-treat analysis was employed.
Main Results:
- Clinically relevant improvement was achieved in 61% of patients by the end of treatment and 68% at 8 months.
- Patient acceptable symptom state was reached by 33% at 3 weeks and 75% at 8 months.
- Improvements in pain, function, and quality of life were noted, with some parameters sustained for 8 months. No serious adverse effects were reported.
Conclusions:
- Spa treatment demonstrates potential for improving the clinical status of patients suffering from generalized osteoarthritis.
- The studied spa therapy regimen appears to be a safe and well-tolerated intervention for GOA.
- These findings suggest that spa therapy can be a valuable component of a multidisciplinary approach to managing generalized osteoarthritis.
