Benefits of a 3-week outpatient
balneotherapy programme on patient-reported outcomes.
Aging Clin Exp Res 2021;
33:1389-1392. [PMID:
32564305 DOI:
10.1007/s40520-020-01634-9]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Analysis of the health profile of participants aged over 65 has been initiated in balneotherapy.
AIMS
To determine the benefits of a 3-week outpatient balneotherapy program on patient-reported outcomes.
METHODS
Our sample consisted of 1471 people. The average age of the study population was 72.5 years (± 5.1) and 67% of the participants were females. Symptoms intensity was measured by visual analogue scale, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) with the EQ5D questionnaire before and after the program. Changes of perceived functional status were rated using a 3-point Likert scale.
RESULTS
The results indicated a significant increase in the fear of falling and a decrease in fatigue. EQ5D reveals a significant improvement after the program. The perceived change scores remained stable, except for anxiety/depression.
CONCLUSIONS
The study indicated significant improvements of HRQL and a decrease of perception of fatigue and anxiety in elderly people participants in a 3-week balneological programme.
Collapse