Effectiveness of balneotherapy in knee osteoarthritis

Aim: We aimed to investigate the effects of balneotherapy on knee osteoarthritis in present randomized controlled single blind clinical trial. Methods: Patients with knee osteoarthritis according to ACR criteria whom admitted to our institute were randomly assigned to two groups, 22 patients in each. Balneotherapy group received a total of 24 mixed thermo mineral baths at 37-38 ° C for 20 minutes in a schedule of 2 weeks, 6 days a week, 2 times a day in Gönen Spas. Patients in the control group were received medical treatment and monitored as outpatients. Study population were administered to pain (VAS), The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and The Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) evaluation before treatment, post treatment and on 4th week after treatment. In addition, 10 step ladder-up and 15 meter walking time was calculated. Results: Significant improvement in Pain (VAS), Pain (WOMAC-A), joint stiffness (WOMAC-B), joint function (WOMAC-C), The Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and in 10 steps ladder up and down tests achieved in balneotherapy group compared to pretreatment values. 15 meter walking time was improved at 4 week compared to baseline measurements. In control group, there was no significant improvement in the evaluated parameters at 4th week compared to pretreatment evaluation. Conclusion: We conclude that balneotherapy may be effective in improving pain and functional status in patients with knee osteoarthritis.