EVALUATION OF EARLY PERIOD EFFECTIVENESS OF BALNEOTHERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Authors : Şükrü SINICI, Selma EROĞLU, Ümit DÜNDAR

Pages : 141-147

Doi:10.18229/kocatepetip.1027174

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Publication Date : 2023-04-05

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :OBJECTIVE: Balneotherapy is a non-pharmacological method recommended and used in knee osteoarthritis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the early-term effectiveness of the physical therapy program applied together with balneotherapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients diagnosed with primary knee osteoarthritis were included in the study. Randomization was carried out as a balneotherapy group insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=30); and a control group insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n =30); by simple randomization method. In Both groups, all of the patients were treated with a fifteen sessions physical therapy program consisting of a hot pack, transcutaneous electrical stimulation, and ultrasound insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1 MHz, 1,5 Watt/cm2);. Patients in the balneotherapy group were also treated for fifteen sessions balneotherapy program lasting 20 min/day in addition to the physical therapy program. Patients were assessed by Visual Analogue Scale insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(VAS);, WOMAC, and isokinetic muscle testing at the beginning and end of the therapies. RESULTS: A statistically significant improvement was observed in the mean scores of VAS, all WOMAC scores, and isokinetic test measurements after treatment in both groups insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.001);. Comparison of the groups by percent changes showed that; VAS insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p=0.047);, WOMAC pain insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p=0.002);, WOMAC stiffness insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p=0.004);, WOMAC function insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p=0.001);, WOMAC total insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p=0.001); differed significantly in favor of balneotherapy group, no significant difference was found in isokinetic muscle strength measurements insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p>0.05);. CONCLUSIONS: Balneotherapy combined with a physical therapy program in patients with knee osteoarthritis is effective in reducing pain and increasing physical function in the early period.
Keywords : Balneoterapi, Diz Osteoartriti, İzokinetik Test, Fizik Tedavi