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. 2021 May;33(5):1389-1392.
doi: 10.1007/s40520-020-01634-9. Epub 2020 Jun 20.

Benefits of a 3-week outpatient balneotherapy programme on patient-reported outcomes

P L Bernard  1 , G Ninot  2 , N Raffort  3 , B Aliaga  3 , L Gamon  4 , M Faucanie  4 , M C Picot  4 , O Maurelli  5 , S Pla  5 , L Soriteau  6 , J Bousquet  7 , H Blain  5   8
Affiliations

Benefits of a 3-week outpatient balneotherapy programme on patient-reported outcomes

P L Bernard et al. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2021 May.

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.

Keywords: Balneotherapy programme; Intervention study; Patient-reported outcomes; Perceived change; Quality of life.

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