A previously-described documentation system for articular examination was applied to evaluate the results of spa treatment in 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis during 3 separate treatment periods. Physical joint findings were documented and indices were compiled by means of a computer before, during and after treatment with thermal water the first year, normal water the second year (or vice versa) and without baths at all in the third year. These indices were compared statistically. Each kind of treatment produced a statistically-significant improvement in the disease, there being no significant difference in the results achieved by the 3 therapeutic regimens.