Integrated Thermal Rehabilitation: A New Therapeutic Approach for Disabilities

Authors: Barassi G (1) , Obrero-Gaitan E (2) , Irace G (3) , Crudeli M (3) , Campobasso G (4) , Palano F (3) , Trivisano L (5) , Piazzolla V (6)
Affiliations:
(1) Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, "Gabriele d' Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara (2) Faculty of Health Sciences, Jaen University (3) Thermal Medicine Center of Castelnuovo della Daunia (4) Department of Health, Social Wellness and Sport Promotion, Puglia Region (5) Rehabilitation Department, Local Health Unit of Foggia (6) Local Health Unit of Foggia
Source: Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1251:29-38
DOI: 10.1007/5584_2019_465 Publication date: 2020 E-Publication date: Jan. 14, 2020 Availability: abstract Copyright: © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
Language: English Countries: Not specified Location: Not specified Correspondence address: coordftgb@unich.it

Keywords

Article abstract

A mutual link between somatic and visceral neural pathways is known in medicine. This study addresses therapeutic effectiveness of an integrated rehabilitative approach of thermal aquatic environment, combined with neuromuscular manual stimulation, on activation of afferent sensory visceral and somatic efferent neuronal motor pathways in different pathologies of neuromuscular motor and respiratory systems. The study included 63 patients subjected to a protocol consisting of hydroponic treatment, hydrokinesitherapy associated with ozonized vascular pathway, and mud therapy associated with cardiorespiratory treatment performed in aquatic environment and aided by neuromuscular manual therapy. The therapeutic protocol consisted of rehabilitation sessions 5 days a week for 2 months. The outcome measures were spirometry tests and the following evaluation instruments: Tinetti Gait and Balance assessment scale, Functional Independence Measurement, visual analogue scale, and the EQ-5D-5 L instrument. The tests were applied before and after the protocol completion. The findings demonstrate a general increase in patients' everyday living autonomy and quality of life, with a particular improvement in respiratory function tests. We conclude that the integrated thermal approach holds promise in therapeutic rehabilitation of disabilities.

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