Long-term benefit of radon spa therapy in the rehabilitation of rheumatoid arthritis: a randomised, double-blinded trial

Authors: Franke A (1) , Reiner L (2) , Resch KL (1)
Affiliations:
(1) Balneology and Rehabilitation Sciences Research Institute (FBK), Bad Elster, Maximilians University (2) In‐patient rehabilitation hospital (Dr Ebel Fachklinik) Bad Brambach
Source: Rheumatol Int. 2007 Jun;27(8):703-13
DOI: 10.1007/s00296-006-0293-2 Publication date: 2007 Jun E-Publication date: Jan. 4, 2007 Availability: abstract Copyright: Not specified
Language: English Countries: Germany Location: Not specified Correspondence address: annegret.franke@medizinische-statistik.de

Keywords

Article abstract

This study investigates the effects of radon (plus CO2) baths on RA in contrast to artificial CO2 baths in RA rehabilitation using a double-blinded trial enrolling 134 randomised patients of an in-patient rehabilitative programme (further 73 consecutive non-randomised patients are not reported here). The outcomes were limitations in occupational context/daily living (main outcome), pain, medication and further quantities. These were measured before the start, after the end of treatment and quarterly in the year thereafter. Repeated-measures analysis of covariance (RM-ANCOVA) of the intent-to-treat population was performed with group main effects (GME) and group x course interactions (G x C) reported. Hierarchically ordered hypotheses ensured the adherence of the nominal significance level. The superiority of the radon treatment was found regarding the main outcome (RM-ANCOVA until 12 months: p(GME) = 0.15, p(G x C) = 0.033). Consumption of steroids (p(GME) = 0.064, p(G x C) = 0.025) and NSAIDs (p(GME) = 0.035, p(G x C) = 0.008) were significantly reduced. The results suggest beneficial long-term effects of radon baths as adjunct to a multimodal rehabilitative treatment of RA.

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