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 .
Efficacy of balneotherapy on pain, function and quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee
The aims of this study were to evaluate whether balneotherapy with mineral sulphate – bicarbonate – calcium water could determine substantial symptomatic improvement , and to detect any changes in the quality of life ( QoL ) of patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis ( OA ) . This was a prospect i ve r and omized , single blind controlled trial . Sixty out patients with primary bilateral knee OA , according to ACR criteria , were included in the study and r and omized to one of two groups : group I ( 30 patients ) was treated with a daily sulphate – bicarbonate – calcium mineral water bath ; group II ( 30 patients ) , the control group , continued their regular outpatient care routine . At baseline , after 15 days and after 12 weeks , patients were evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale ( VAS ) for spontaneous pain , Lequesne and Womac Index for gonarthrosis , SF-36 , Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale ( AIMS ) and symptomatic drugs consumption . We observed a significant improvement of all parameters at the end of the cycle of balneotherapy which persisted throughout the follow-up period , whereas in the control group no significant differences were noted . This symptomatic effect was confirmed by the significant reduction of symptomatic drugs consumption . The differences between the two groups were significant for all considered parameters already from the 15th day and persisted during follow-up . Tolerability of balneotherapy  seemed to be good , with light and transitory side effects . Our results confirm that the beneficial effects of balneotherapy in patients with knee OA last over time , with positive effects on the painful symptomatology , a significant improvement on functional capacities and QoL.  Balneotherapy can represent a useful backup to pharmacological treatment of knee OA or a valid alternative for patients who do not tolerate pharmacological treatments
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 .