In conclusion , even though limitations must be considered , evidence shows that BT and spa therapy can significantly improve QoL of patients with knee OA .
Moreover , reduction of drug consumption and improvement of algofunctional indexes may be other beneficial effects .
Knee osteoarthritis ( OA ) is a degenerative disease which is expected to become one of the leading causes of disability by the next years .
This work aims to assess if balneotherapy and spa therapy can significantly improve Quality of Life ( QoL ) of patients with knee OA .
Effects of mud therapy on perceived pain and quality of life related to health in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
OBJECTIVE To analyze the effects of mud therapy on perceived pain , Health Related Quality of Life ( HRQL ) and drug use in patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis . MATERIAL AND METHODS A prospect i ve , controlled clinical trial . The sample ( n=147 ) was divided into an experimental group ( EG ) of 61 subjects ( 69.13 ± 5,60 years ) who received 11 consecutive sessions of peloids in the knee/s affected by the process described and a control group ( CG ) of 60 subjects ( 73.08 ± 8,90 years ) who continued routine drug treatment . The sample was assessed before and after intervention using the SF-36 , Visual Analogue Scale and changes in drug use , setting a significance level of P ≤ .05 . RESULTS After the intervention , there were statistically significant differences ( P<.05 ) in all parameters analyzed between EG and CG , reduced drug use in the EG versus no change in the CG . The general health , bodily pain and perceived pain are those that show major changes between the two groups . CONCLUSIONS Mud therapy in patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis attains immediate effects on perceived pain and HRQOL , reducing the consumption of specific drugs . Studies are needed to evaluate the scientific evidence from the effects of such intervention
In conclusion , even though limitations must be considered , evidence shows that BT and spa therapy can significantly improve QoL of patients with knee OA .
Moreover , reduction of drug consumption and improvement of algofunctional indexes may be other beneficial effects .
Knee osteoarthritis ( OA ) is a degenerative disease which is expected to become one of the leading causes of disability by the next years .
This work aims to assess if balneotherapy and spa therapy can significantly improve Quality of Life ( QoL ) of patients with knee OA .