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Therapeutic Benefits of Balneotherapy on Quality of Life of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Maria Fernandez-Gonzalez

    (Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18010 Granada, Spain)

  • Carolina Fernandez-Lao

    (Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18010 Granada, Spain
    Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18016 Granada, Spain
    “Cuídate” Support Unit for Oncology Patients, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), 18010 Granada, Spain)

  • Lydia Martin-Martin

    (Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18010 Granada, Spain
    Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18016 Granada, Spain
    “Cuídate” Support Unit for Oncology Patients, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), 18010 Granada, Spain)

  • Angela Gonzalez-Santos

    (Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18010 Granada, Spain
    Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18016 Granada, Spain
    “Cuídate” Support Unit for Oncology Patients, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), 18010 Granada, Spain)

  • Maria Lopez-Garzon

    (Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18010 Granada, Spain
    Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18016 Granada, Spain
    “Cuídate” Support Unit for Oncology Patients, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), 18010 Granada, Spain)

  • Lucia Ortiz-Comino

    (Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18010 Granada, Spain
    Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18016 Granada, Spain
    “Cuídate” Support Unit for Oncology Patients, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), 18010 Granada, Spain)

  • Mario Lozano-Lozano

    (Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18010 Granada, Spain
    Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18016 Granada, Spain
    “Cuídate” Support Unit for Oncology Patients, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), 18010 Granada, Spain)

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory rheumatic disease. RA symptoms make the disease disabling and strongly impact the quality of life of patients. Among the available forms of treatment, balneotherapy seems to be one of the most common forms of nonpharmacological treatment for rheumatic disease. The aim was to explore the effectiveness of balneotherapy for improving the quality of life of patients with RA. Methods: Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and The Cochrane library were searched for randomized or clinical controlled trials published in English or Spanish until May 2021. Risk of bias of included articles were assessed using the Cochrane tool. A total 535 records were retrieved, and seven met the inclusion criteria. All the included studies showed statistically significant improvements in the quality of life of patients who received balneotherapy treatment despite differences in treatment administration. Sessions should be approximately 20 min long and use natural mineral waters enriched with elements, or mud, at a water temperature between 35–38 °C. Conclusions: Balneotherapy benefits the quality of life of people with RA. The obtained results show positive effects for both mineral bathing and immersion in sand or mud on the quality of life of people who suffer from RA.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Fernandez-Gonzalez & Carolina Fernandez-Lao & Lydia Martin-Martin & Angela Gonzalez-Santos & Maria Lopez-Garzon & Lucia Ortiz-Comino & Mario Lozano-Lozano, 2021. "Therapeutic Benefits of Balneotherapy on Quality of Life of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-15, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:24:p:13216-:d:703086
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