Balneotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis at the Dead Sea.
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.
Sukenik
S
S
Department of Medicine D, Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel.
Neumann
L
L
Flusser
D
D
Kleiner-Baumgarten
A
A
Buskila
D
D
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001452:Balneology; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009792:Oceans and Seas; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking