A pilot study to evaluate the effects of floatation spa treatment on patients with osteoarthritis.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a preliminary investigation of the effects on floatation spa therapy on quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis to see if controlled trials are warranted.


METHODS
Uncontrolled clinical trial.


METHODS
Private floatation spa therapy centre.


METHODS
Fourteen patients with chronic osteoarthritis of the weight-bearing joints, of whom four dropped out.


METHODS
Six weekly sessions of floatation spa therapy.


METHODS
SF36, AIMS2 and MYMOP quality-of-life questionnaires.


RESULTS
All patients improved. Differences between baseline and discharge scores showed statistically significant improvement for MYMOP, but not AIMS2 or SF-36.


CONCLUSIONS
Controlled trials of floatation spa therapy for patients with osteoarthritis are warranted.
Hill
S
S
Eckett
M J
MJ
Paterson
C
C
Harkness
E F
EF
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001452:Balneology; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life