What is the evidence for thermal mineral water therapy in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee?
AMSTAR Rating
Summary
Patient Population:
All trials included individuals with knee OA. One trial also included individuals with spine and hip OA. Mean ages as reported fell between 50 and 85 years of age. There appeared to be more female participants than male (based on the the numbers provided in the table the proportion was approximately 79.5% female).
Intervention:
Natural, thermal, mineral waters used in “spa therapy” (i.e. balneotherapy) 20 – 30 minute sessions of bathing (usually once per day), often 5 days per week. Balneotherapy (bathing) was often combined with other treatments including mud packs, therapeutic massage, exercise programs, and hot pack application.
Comparison:
There were 9 RCTs selected for inclusion. Jadad scores ranged from 1-5.
Outcome:
Pain: significant improvement in 6 trials at the 8-12 week assessment, significant improvement in 2 trials at the 20-24 week assessment.
