Affiliation:
1. University of Castilla - La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
2. Fitero Thermal Station, Navarra, Spain
Abstract
Aim: To analyze the influence of balneotherapy applied in conditions of real clinical practice in Fitero’s Thermal Station (Spain) on HRQoL in adults with KOA.
Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted under conditions of real clinical practice with a 9-month follow-up. The individuals were beneficiaries of the Spanish social thermalism programme. A total of 10 sessions were prescribed, individually, considering the clinical situation and preferences of each participant. In all cases, 10 bath sessions were administered, along with other techniques. The clinical assessments were conducted before initiating the balneotherapy and 1, 3, 6 and 9 months after. The main variable was HRQoL (Euroqol 5D-5L; WOMAC). The statistical analysis was performed by intention to treat.
Results: The study included 71 users. At 6 months, improvements were found in the following dimensions of the WOMAC questionnaire: pain (24.47%), stiffness (30.75%) and functional capacity (26.66%) (p<0.05). Pain and anxiety/depression showed statistically significant differences in the EQ 5D-5L throughout the study.
Conclusions: HRQoL in KOA would improve with the Balneotherapy, prevailing the effects for up to 6 months. The absence of adverse effects and the ease of completing the treatment provided by the Spanish social thermalism system make this treatment feasible.
Reference58 articles.
1. 1. Peat G, McCarney R, Croft P. Knee pain and osteoarthritis in older adults: a review of community burden and current use of primary health care. Ann Rheum Dis. 2001;60(2):91-97. doi:10.1136/ard.60.2.91.
2. 2. Postler A, Ramos AL, Goronzy J. Prevalence and treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis in people aged 60 years or older in Germany: an analysis based on health insurance claims data. Clin Interv Aging. 2018;13:2339-2349. doi:10.2147/CIA.S174741.
3. 3. Carmona L, Gabriel R, Ballina F, Laffon A. Proyecto EPISER 2000: Prevalencia de enfermedades reumaticas en la poblacion espanola. Metodologia, resultados del reclutamiento y caracteristicas de la poblacion. Rev Esp Reumatol. 2001;28(1):18-25.
4. 4. Vidal MJ, Labeaga JM, Casado P et al IMSERSO. Informe 2016. Las personas mayores en Espana: datos estadisticos estatales y por comunidades autonomas. Ministerio de Sanidad, Servicios Sociales e Igualdad, Secretaria de Estado de Servicios Sociales e Igualdad, Instituto de Mayores y Servicios Sociales. Madrid, 2016.
5. 5. Sharif B, Kopec J, Bansback N et al. Projecting the direct cost burden of osteoarthritis in Canada using a microsimulation model. Osteoarthr Cartil Open. 2015; 23(10):1654-1663. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2015.05.029.