Ma T, Song X, Ma Y, Hu H, Bai H, Li Y, Gao L. The effect of thermal mineral waters on pain relief, physical function and quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Medicine (Baltimore) 2021;
100:e24488. [PMID:
33530266 PMCID:
PMC7850667 DOI:
10.1097/md.0000000000024488]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of thermal mineral waters therapy for pain relief, and functional improvement, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with osteoarthritis (OA).
METHODS
Cochrane Library, Web of science, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials. Study inclusion criteria included assessment of the visual analog scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities scores and the lequesne index to evaluate the effects of thermal mineral waters on pain relief and functional improvement. Also, studies that used the European quality of life 5-dimension scale and health assessment questionnaire to assess the impact of thermal mineral waters therapy on improving QoL were included.
RESULTS
Sixteen studies were included. A meta-analysis showed that thermal mineral waters therapy could significantly reduce pain as measured visual analog scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities assessments (P < .001). Thermal mineral waters significantly reduced the lequesne index (P < .001) and improved joint function. Finally, compared with a control group, European quality of life 5-dimension scale and health assessment questionnaire improved significantly in patients with OA receiving thermal mineral waters therapy (P < .05). There is no evidence that thermal mineral waters is unsafe for treating OA.
CONCLUSION
Thermal mineral waters therapy is a safe way to relieve pain, improve physical functions, and QoL in patients with OA.
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