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


OBJECTIVE
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.
Gaál
János
J
Department of Rheumatology, Kenézy Gyula County Hospital, Debrecen, Hungary. gaalja@freemail.hu
Varga
József
J
Szekanecz
Zoltán
Z
Kurkó
Julia
J
Ficzere
Andrea
A
Bodolay
Edit
E
Bender
Tamás
T
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001452:Balneology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008900:Mineral Waters; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000628:therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D008900:Mineral Waters