What does this research mean for the field?

A combined intervention of balneotherapy and aquatic exercise significantly enhances pain reduction and functional outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis compared to balneotherapy alone. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.SUPPORTS_CONSENSUS.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to assess the effectiveness of a combined protocol of balneotherapy and aquatic exercise on knee osteoarthritis outcomes.

February 19, 2026Open Access

Intensive combined balneotherapy and aquatic exercise for knee osteoarthritis: short-term clinical and functional outcomes

Key Points

The aim is to assess the effectiveness of a combined protocol of balneotherapy and aquatic exercise on knee osteoarthritis outcomes.
66 patients were divided into an experimental group receiving both treatments and a control group receiving only balneotherapy.
The intervention lasted for two weeks in natural mineral waters.
Primary outcomes measured included pain intensity, joint range of motion, and functional indices.
Secondary outcomes assessed were quality of life and psychological well-being.
The experimental group showed a 31% reduction in pain intensity, compared to 13% in the control group.
Both groups had significant improvements in joint function and quality of life measures.
Increased BMI and age were linked to less improvement in mobility.

Abstract

Background Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of global disability, necessitating cost-effective interventions. While balneotherapy and acquatic exercise (AE) are established conservative treatments, evidence regarding their combined efficacy remains limited. This study evaluated the clinical impact of a combined program that include balneotherapy and AE in natural mineral waters - compared to balneotherapy alone in patients with mild-to-moderate knee OA in Health Resorts. Primary outcomes included pain intensity, joint range of motion (AROM/PROM), and functional indices Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC), Lequesne’s Algofunctional Index for Knee (LAI-knee). Secondary outcomes encompassed quality of life (Short Form-12) and psychological well-being (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Psychological General Well-Being Index). Methods 66 patients were allocated to either an experimental group (EG), receiving a combined two-week protocol of balneotherapy and AE in salt-bromine-iodine thermal water, or a control group (CG), receiving balneotherapy alone. Results Both groups demonstrated significant short-term improvements in all the assessments included in study. However, the EG exhibited a superior reduction in pain intensity (31% vs. 13% in CG) and more consistent gains in bilateral active range of motion (AROM). Linear mixed-effects models confirmed significant time effects for WOMAC, LAI, and SF-12 Physical Component scores for both groups. Regression analysis revealed that higher BMI and age negatively correlated with mobility gains. Conclusion A combined intervention significantly enhances the analgesic and functional benefits of standard balneotherapy. By leveraging physical properties of mineral water, the combined protocol addresses both the mechanical and biological components of knee OA. These findings support the integration of water exercise with balneotherapy in Health Resorts for degenerative joint diseases and the personalization of treatment based on patients age and BMI.

AIに質問

Bookmark

View Full Paper

Cite This Study

Regazzo et al. (Mon,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6996a818ecb39a600b3ee7bd https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2026.1790566

AIに質問

Bookmark

View Full Paper