Benefits of a 3-week Outpatient Balneotherapy Programme on Patient-Reported Outcomes

Authors: Bernard PL , Ninot G , Raffort N , Aliaga B , Gamon L , Faucanie M , Picot MC , Maurelli O , Pla S , Soriteau L , Bousquet J , Blain H

Affiliations:

Source: Aging Clin Exp Res . 2020 Jun 20. doi: 10.1007/s40520-020-01634-9

Language: English Countries: France Location: Not specified Correspondence address: pierre-louis.bernard@umontpellier.fr

Keywords

Article 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.

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