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The search for new rational ways to improve the effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation measures of patients with true eczema continues to be one of the pressing issues in modern clinical dermatology. OBJECTIVE: The comparative analysis of influence of different variants of SCL: balneotherapy and balneotherapy combined with magnetic laser therapy on the dermatological status, IL-4 and IL-13 level, psycho-emotional state and QOL evaluation in patients with true eczema. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 112 patients with true eczema undergoing spa treatment (SCR) (54 in the balneotherapy group and 58 in the balneotherapy group combined with magnetic laser therapy. The effectiveness of SCR was assessed using the EASI, HARS and MADRS scales, and the DLQI questionnaire. The dynamics of IL-4 and IL-13 plasma levels were studied. The duration of the study was 6 months and 14 days. RESULTS: After 14 days of SCR, a statistically significant reduction of the EASI index was more pronounced in the balneotherapy group in combination with MLT compared to the balneotherapy group (p=0.041). Balneotherapy combined with MLT contributed to a statistically significant reduction in the HARS and HDRS scores. The decrease in IL-4 and IL-13 levels was statistically more significant in the balneotherapy group in combination with MLT. The combined use of balneotherapy and MLT in comparison with the balneotherapy group was accompanied by a more pronounced improvement in QOL. The combined use of balneotherapy and MLT in the follow-up phase showed a long-term positive effect: 6 months after completing SCR, the number of patients who had clinical remission was statistically significantly higher than that of the balneotherapy group (87.4% vs 22.5%). CONCLUSION: The combined use of balneotherapy and MLT compared with balneotherapy in patients with true eczema on SCR was shown to be advantageous. The complex application of balneotherapy and MLT decreases inflammatory biomarker scores, improves dermatological and psychoemotional status, QOL parameters and is well tolerated.

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BACKGROUND: Kivach Clinic has developed a special medical spa program to prevent aging-related conditions in metabolic, cardio-vascular, and neurological states. Spa programs modify diet, physical activity, and lymphatic drainage, as it deteriorates with aging. We investigated its influence on the blood markers of biological age of patients during their stay to objectify the potential of spa treatment for influencing the risk of age-related events. METHODS: The artificial deep learning model Aging.ai 3.0 was based on blood parameters. The change in the biological age of 43 patients was assessed after their 14-day spa treatment at Kivach Clinic. RESULTS: Biological age decreased in 29 patients (median decrease: 8 years, mean: 8.83 years), increased in 10 patients (median increase: 3 years, mean: 5.33 years) and remained unchanged in 4 patients. Overall mean values for the entire patient group were as follows: median value was -3 years, and mean was -4.79 ± 1.2 years (p-value = 0.00025, t-test). CONCLUSIONS: The capability of specially selected medical spa treatment to reduce human biological age (assessed by Aging.AI 3.0) has been established.

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Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are associated with pain and lead to reduced mobility and quality of life for patients. Radon therapy is used as alternative or complementary to pharmaceutical treatments. According to previous reports, radon spa leads to analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms are widely unknown. A previous study (RAD-ON01) revealed, that bone erosion markers like collagen fragments (C-terminal telopeptide, CTX) are reduced after radon spa treatment in serum of patients with degenerative MSDs. Within the scope of the prospective, placebo-controlled RAD-ON02 trial presented here, we analyzed the influence of radon and thermal spa treatment on osteoclastogenesis. From patient blood, we isolate monocytes, seeded them on bone slices and differentiated them in the presence of growth factors into mature osteoclasts (mOCs). Subsequent analysis showed a smaller fraction of mOCs after both treatments, which was even smaller after radon spa treatment. A significantly reduced resorbed area on bone slices reflects this result. Only after radon spa treatment, we detected in the serum of patients a significant decrease of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), which indicates reduced differentiation of OCs. However, other markers for bone resorption (CTX) and bone formation (OPG, OCN) were not altered after both treatments. Adipokines, such as visfatin and leptin that play a role in some MSD-types by affecting osteoclastogenesis, were not changed after both treatments. Further, also immune cells have an influence on osteoclastogenesis, by inhibiting and promoting terminal differentiation and activation of OCs, respectively. After radon treatment, the fraction of Treg cells was significantly increased, whereas Th17 cells were not altered. Overall, we observed that both treatments had an influence on osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. Moreover, radon spa treatment affected the Treg cell population as well as the Th17/Treg ratio were affected, pointing toward a contribution of the immune system after radon spa. These data obtained from patients enrolled in the RAD-ON02 trial indicate that radon is not alone responsible for the effects on bone metabolism, even though they are more pronounced after radon compared to thermal spa treatment.

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Health resort treatment facilities, regardless of the ownership status (public, private), most often carry out their activities based on contracts with the Polish public payer of the health care system, therefore the operation of sanatoriums is a fully-fledged element of the health care system, such as inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment and basic health care. The system designed in this way is designed to improve the organization of benefits, including by incorporating new useful organizational and legal tools. Thus, health education, along with its nutritional aspect, which is its inseparable part, is a perfect example of how to positively influence the behavior of consumers of spa treatment services. The structure of the study included the desk research method related to the consolidation and processing of information on applicable legal regulations and an individual in-depth, structured interview, using an original interview scenario. Based on the deliberate selection of the sample, 14 interviews were conducted. The interlocutors were representatives of the management of spa treatment facilities, academics and representatives of non-governmental organizations. The interview included functional and organizational, financial, competence and substantive aspects related to the implementation of nutritional education in spa treatment facilities in Poland. The use of a structured interview with experts made it possible to present the area of health education, including nutrition, in a broad light of the knowledge and experience of health care practitioners and theorists. Opinions were obtained on the optimal methods of assessing the effectiveness of education in the conditions of spa treatment and a set of system and organizational recommendations. Reporting of the results was presented using the COREQ checklist. It is justified to consider broadly understood health education in spa treatment facilities as a kind of wholesome health service, which may constitute effective systemic support for health policy and, consequently, increase the importance of prophylaxis and improve the health condition of the population. Such a legislative change will force organizational changes that may ultimately lead to a change in eating habits. Moreover, it is highly useful to use the potential of paramedical professionals, including dieticians, health educators and health promotion specialists.

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PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Evaluation of the effectiveness of sanatorium-and-spa treatment of patients who have undergone a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19), taking into account the polymorphism of symptom complexes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 56 patients (22 men, 34 women; mean age 64.9±8.21 and 64.76±9.12 years, respectively) who had COVID-19 and were treated at a spa. The mandatory program of rehabilitation and rehabilitation sanatorium treatment included: exercise therapy with elements of breathing exercises, general massage with an emphasis on the chest, halo and speleotherapy, hydrotherapy, inhalations, as well as psychotherapeutic methods. The length of stay in the sanatorium was at least 2 weeks. We assessed the dynamics of indicators characterizing the activity of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems (BP, heart rate, Stange test), exercise tolerance (6-minute walk test), as well as psycho-emotional state (test «Health, Activity, Mood¼, SAN) up to and after treatment. RESULTS: Against the background of sanatorium-and-spa treatment in patients who underwent COVID-19, the number of complaints significantly decreased: in men from 6.2±2.4 to 3.4±1.3, in women from 7.7±1.5 to 4.12±1.5 (p≤0.05). A similar dynamics of indicators characterizing the activity of the cardiovascular system was noted: the level of systolic blood pressure in men decreased by 7.3%, in women - by 10.3%; the level of diastolic blood pressure - by 4.1 and 1.4%, respectively. Heart rate in men decreased from 83.69±15.2 to 75.54±12.24 beats/min; in women - from 92.16±14.16 to 76.4±11.68 beats/min. The distance traveled for men (6-minute walk test) increased from 384.15±108.78 to 408.92±97.30 m; in women - from 371.84±75.9 to 397.12±76.2 m (p≤0.05). The breath holding time on inspiration (Stange test) in men increased from 38.00±10.64 to 45.69±9.51 s; in women - from 39.96±9.31 to 43.60±6.93 s. The values of the «Well-being¼ indicator (SAN test) in men significantly increased - from 4.5±1.8 to 5.1±0.9 points (p≤0.05); «Activity¼ - from 4.8±0.8 to 5.4±0.5 points (p≤0.05); «Mood¼ - from 4.7±1.4 to 5.4±0.6 points. Similar dynamics were observed in women. CONCLUSION: Against the background of the sanatorium stage of treatment, a stable positive dynamics of the indicators of the functional state of the body was noted in both men and women. The analysis carried out confirms the need to develop and implement rehabilitation programs in sanatorium-resort conditions for patients who have had a new coronavirus infection.

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Knee and hip osteoarthritis (KHOA) are a source of functional impairment. With aging, the management of osteoarthritis (OA) is a major issue in the search for improved quality of life. Spa treatment provides short- and mid-term symptom relief without serious side effects. This study aimed to identify characteristics of patients with KHOA associated with use of spa treatment. The prospective KHOALA cohort included 878 adults aged 40 to 75 years with symptomatic KHOA. We separately analyzed knee and hip OA data and compared patients who never had spa treatment with those who had at least one or multiple treatments during 5 years of follow-up in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, clinical data, quality of life (OAKHQOL, SF-36), physical activity (MAQ), functional impairment (WOMAC), and health care consumption (pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments). Factors associated with at least one or multiple spa treatments were evaluated with regression logistic models. In all, 607 (69.1%) patients had knee OA (KOA), 222 (25.3%) hip OA (HOA) and 49 (5.6%) both, 91 (13.9%) with KOA, and 33 (12.2%) with HOA had at least one spa treatment. In the KOA cohort, the probability of at least one, two, or three spa treatments was increased with older age (odds ratio = 1.6 [95% confidence interval 1.2-2.2], 1.8 [1.2-2.8], 2.4 [1.4-4.2], respectively), greater use of physiotherapy (OR = 3.9 [2.1-7.1], 2.7 [1.3-5.6], 2.5 [1.1-5.9]), having a prosthesis (OR = 2.1 [1.2-3.8], 2.2 [1.1-4.3], 2.5 [1.1-5.5]), and low MAQ score (OR = 0.7 [0.6-0.9], 0.7 [0.5-1.0], 0.7 [0.5-1.0]). In the HOA cohort, female sex was associated with at least one (OR = 3.0 [1.1-8.0]) or two (OR = 5.1 [1.2-22.5]) spa treatments. In this cohort of KHOA, repeated spa treatment over 5 years was strongly associated with older age, greater use of physiotherapy and presence of a prothesis with KOA and female sex with HOA. This study may help to better understand spa treatment determinants in OA.

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The review presents current data on the management of patients with atherosclerosis obliterans of the lower extremities. The main approaches to medical rehabilitation of patients with diseases of the arteries of the lower extremities are considered, tools for determining the rehabilitation potential depending on the stage of lower limb ischemia are proposed. The programs of physical and psychological rehabilitation, as well as the methods of physical and balneotherapy in accordance with the stages of medical rehabilitation, are determined. Modern rehabilitation methods are presented.

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Dissatisfaction with night sleep occurs in 45% of the population. Chronic insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders. The incidence of insomnia is estimated at 9-15%. The clinical importance of insomnia is determined by the negative impact it has on social aspects, economic performance and human health. Taking into account the prevalence of insomnia in the population and its social importance the correct diagnosis and effective treatment of insomnia is clear. OBJECTIVE: To assess the sleep quality dynamics in patients with chronic insomnia getting the complex spa treatment with the inclusion of transcranial magnetic therapy (TCMT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: It was examined 122 patients (mean age 54.0±0.92 years) with a verified diagnosis of chronic insomnia; 68.9% were women and 31.1% were men. The patients were randomized into 2 groups: the main group included 62 patients who received a spa complex and TCMT; the comparison group included 60 patients who received an identical treatment complex without TCMT. All patients were evaluated by polysomnography (PSG) data, insomnia severity index (ISI) and subjective symptoms of daytime functioning. RESULTS: As a result of treatment program implementation the patients of both groups showed a decrease in ISI and a subjective improvement in daytime well-being. In the main group the treatment led to an increase in the number of patients with mild disorders by 51.7%, a decrease in patients with moderate disorders by 16.2%, severe disorders by 45.2%, and the formation of a group of 6 people (9.7%) without sleep disorders. In the comparison group after treatment the proportion of patients with mild disorders increased by 33.3%, with moderate disorders by 3.3%, the number of patients with severe disorders decreased by 41.6%, and 3 (5%) patients had no symptoms. The mean value of ISI in the main group decreased by 35.9% (p<0.001), in the comparison group - by 23.1% (p<0.001), the difference was 12.8% (p<0.001). From clinical perspective, patients noted an improvement in the process of falling asleep, a decrease in the number of nighttime awakenings, an increase in the duration of sleep, and an improvement in functioning while awake. After the use of therapeutic complexes in patients of both groups there was a favorable reliable dynamics in the change in PSG indicators that was more pronounced in the main group. The difference between the groups in terms of PSG was: for the wakefulness time during sleep 16.3% (p<0.005), for the number of awakenings during sleep 12.8% (p<0.001), for the latency of falling asleep 13.9% (p<0.05), for micro-activation index 14.6% (p<0.05), for sleep efficiency 4.9% (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The inclusion of TCMT in complex spa treatment can significantly reduce ISI, the symptoms' severity of impaired daytime functioning and improve sleep quality indicators according to PSG data in patients with chronic insomnia.

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Fibromyalgia is a common chronic pain pathology with an incidence of 4.3 per 1,000 person-years. An open, randomized clinical trial of patients with fibromyalgia comparing an immediate vs. delayed 18-day spa therapy in five spa therapy care facilities in France enrolled 220 patients. Randomization was in blocks of four, stratified by center, severity of fibromyalgia and previous spa therapy. Patients continued usual treatment. The main endpoint was the number of patients achieving minimal clinically important difference at 6 months, defined as 14% change in their baseline fibromyalgia impact questionnaire score. The intention-to-treat analysis included 100 and 106 patients in the intervention and control groups, respectively. At 6 months, 45/100 (45.0%) and 30/106 (28.3%) patients in the intervention and control groups, respectively, achieved a minimal clinically important difference (P= .013). There was also a significant improvement in pain, fatigue, and symptom severity (secondary outcomes) in the intervention group but not for generic quality of life (QOL), sleep or physical activity. None of the 33 serious adverse events reported by 25 patients were related to the spa therapy. Our results demonstrate the benefit of spa treatment in patients with fibromyalgia. PERSPECTIVE: A 12-month, open, randomized clinical trial of 220 patients with fibromyalgia compared an immediate versus delayed (ie, after 6 months) 18-day spa therapy. The results showed a clinically significant improvement at 6 months for those who received immediate therapy which was maintained up to 12 months. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02265029.

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BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases have the highest mortality rates and the costs for treatment are very high so far. Cardiovascular rehabilitation helps to reduce the risk of relapses or deterioration of cardiovascular diseases, however, the number of patients that participate is insufficient, especially in later stages of the rehabilitation process. The aim of the study is to evaluate cost-effectiveness of cardiovascular rehabilitation care using cost-utility analysis. METHODS: The study evaluate the Cardio ambulance Late Phase, Late Phase of The Spa treatment and for comparison also Early Phase of The Spa treatment in Konstantin Spa. The research was conducted in outpatient facility and spa facility. For QALY, a prospective questionnaire survey was conducted in patients with cardiovascular disease using generic EQ-5D-5L questionnaires. The costs were calculated from the perspective of the health care payer. The cost-utility analysis was carried out at the end of the study and results are presented in incremental cost-utility ratio. RESULTS: The average cost per patient in outpatient facility is CZK 12,459. The average amount for an overall early phase of spa treatment per patient is CZK 35,161. The average amount for an overall late phase spa treatment per patient is CZK 30,503. QALY obtained from Index Value was 0.092 (Konstantin Spa Early Phase), 0.054 (Konstantin Spa Late Phase), 0.26 (Cardio ambulance Late Phase). For Konstantin Spa Late Phase, the ICUR value was 644,436 and for Konstantin Spa Early Phase was 343,981 (comparator is the Cardio ambulance Late Phase). Konstantin Spa Early Phase compared to Konstantin Spa Late Phase had an ICUR value of 122,592. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the spa treatment in later stage of the cardiovascular rehabilitation process is cost effective with use of cost effectiveness threshold three times the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita.

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THE PURPOSE OF THIS WORK: Is to analyze the current state of the sanatorium-and-spa complex of the Russian Federation and to develop promising ways of its development. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The state analysis was carried out on the basis of the results of field events, including the assessment of the quality of medical care; video conference call results; data from the State Register of the Resort Fund of the Russian Federation; reports on medical rehabilitation for people with disabilities and children with disabilities in medical and sanatorium-and-spa organizations. When assessing, an integral indicator of the current state of the medical industry was used, based on which the total integral indicator of the sanatorium-and-spa complex was calculated. RESULTS: Based on the analysis, a rating of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation was compiled depending on the state of the sanatorium-and-spa treatment, the problems of the industry and ways to solve them were highlighted. The development paths of the sanatorium-and-spa complex of the Russian Federation are substantiated, which are reflected in the Development Strategy of the sanatorium-and-spa complex of the Russian Federation, approved by order of the Government of the Russian Federation dated November 26, 2018 №2581-r. CONCLUSION: The implementation of the proposed measures will restore the world-recognized achievements of domestic balneology and increase the effectiveness and accessibility of sanatorium-and-spa treatment, as well as achieve the targets specified in the Development Strategy of the spa complex of the Russian Federation.

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The painter Max Slevogt (1868-1932), together with Lovis Corinth and Max Liebermann, was one of the most important representatives of German impressionism. Slevogt, a gourmet who appreciated fine food and good wines, suffered from acute recurrent gouty arthritis starting at the age of 27 years. His medical history is reconstructed for the first time from the published and previously unpublished letters of his doctor János Plesch. After gout attacks at longer intervals in the first years of the disease, the attacks increased and from 1917 onwards were manifested in 1-2-year intervals with no evidence of a chronic gouty arthritis. Many of his attacks of gouty arthritis are illustrated by drawings that document the involvement of the feet and knees. Slevogt usually treated the gout attacks with bed rest, which prevented him from painting. He used a drug treatment with Colchicum only rarely. Dietary measures, a health cure for weight loss and multiple spa treatments in the last years of life at annual intervals, were among the other treatment modalities. The gout and heavy smoking resulted in coronary heart disease from which he died shortly before his 65th birthday.

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Spa treatment can effectively reestablish mood balance in patients with psychiatric disorders. In light of the adrenal gland's role as a crossroad of psychosomatic medicine, this study evaluated changes in 88 circulating steroids and their relationships with a consolidation of somatic, psychosomatic and psychiatric components from a modified N-5 neurotic questionnaire in 46 postmenopausal 50+ women with anxiety-depressive complaints. The patients underwent a standardized one-month intervention therapy with physical activity and an optimized daily regimen in a spa in the Czech Republic. All participants were on medication with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. An increase of adrenal steroidogenesis after intervention indicated a reinstatement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The increases of many of these steroids were likely beneficial to patients, including immunoprotective adrenal androgens and their metabolites, neuroactive steroids that stimulate mental activity but protect from excitotoxicity, steroids that suppress pain perception and fear, steroids that consolidate insulin secretion, and steroids that improve xenobiotic clearance. The positive associations between the initial values of neurotic symptoms and their declines after the intervention, as well as between initial adrenal activity and the decline of neurotic symptoms, indicate that neurotic impairment may be alleviated by such therapy provided that the initial adrenal activity is not seriously disrupted.

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This article describes the modern approaches to the application of physical factors for the treatment of various forms of psoriasis taking into consideration the severity of clinical manifestations and the phase of the disease, the extent of disturbances of the functional state of different organs. The principles of prescription of physiotherapeutictreatmnt are formulated taking account of the stages and forms of the disease. Special attention is paid to the high therapeutic effectiveness of ultraviolet irradiation of the skin including narrow-band UVВ (311 nm) as well as to photodynamic therapy (PUVA), intravenous laser irradiation of blood, and ozone therapy. Also considered is the spa and health resort-based treatment and peloid therapy at various stages of the pathological process. The application of the combined techniques is described with special reference to radon and hydrogen sulfide baths and microwave therapy in the patients presenting with psoriatic arthritis. Much attention is given to the effectiveness of the prescription of the spa and health resort-based treatment at the stationary and regressive stages of psoriasis. The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the therapeutic action of the physical factors used for the treatment of patients suffering from psoriasis are discussed.

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OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary rehabilitation is mainly focused on exercise training and breathing retraining in children with asthma. Conversely, balance training is not usually recommended for the treatment, although postural deficits were found in these patients. Therefore, this study assessed the effect of balance training intervention on postural stability in children with asthma. METHODS: Nineteen children with mild intermittent asthma (age 11.1 ± 2.1 years, height 147.6 ± 13.9 cm, weight 41.8 ± 13.3 kg) were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group and completed a four-week physiotherapy program including breathing exercises and aerobic physical training (six times/week, 45 minutes). Both groups performed the same training, but only the experimental group underwent exercises on balance devices. The center of pressure (CoP) velocity in the anteroposterior (Vy) and mediolateral (Vx) directions, and total CoP velocity (Vtot) were recorded before and after training in the preferred and the adjusted stances under eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions. RESULTS: The addition of balance intervention led to significant improvements of Vtot (p = 0.02, p = 0.04) in both types of stance, Vx in the preferred stance (p = 0.03) and Vy in the adjusted stance (p = 0.01) under EO conditions. Significant improvements were also found in Vy in the adjusted stance (p = 0.01) under EC conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study support the effectiveness of balance training as a part of physiotherapy treatment for improving balance performance, predominantly under EO conditions, in children with mild asthma.

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Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most frequent cause of disability in Europe. Reduced mobility and quality of life of the patients are often associated with pain due to chronic inflammation. The inflammatory process, accompanied by a destruction of the cartilage and bone tissue, is discussed as a result of (A) the infiltration of immune cells into the joints, (B) an altered homeostasis of the joint cavity (synovium) with a critical role of bone remodeling cells, and (C) release of inflammatory factors including adipokines in the arthritic joint. In addition to the classical medication, low-dose radiation therapy using photons or radon spa treatments has shown to reduce pain and improve the mobility of the patients. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory effects of radon are yet poorly understood. We analyzed blood and serum samples from 32 patients, suffering from MSDs, who had been treated in the radon spa in Bad Steben (Germany). Before and after therapy, we measured the levels of markers related to bone metabolism (collagen fragments type-1, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, receptor activator of NFκB ligand, and osteoprotegerin) in the serum of patients. In addition, adipokines related to inflammation (visfatin, leptin, resistin, and adiponectin) were analyzed. Some of these factors are known to correlate with disease activity. Since T cells play an important role in the progression of the disease, we further analyzed in blood samples the frequency of pro- and anti-inflammatory T cell subpopulations (CD4+IL17+ T cells and CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells). Overall, we found a decrease of collagen fragments (CTX-I), indicating decreased bone resorption, presumably by osteoclasts, in the serum of MSD patients. We also observed reduced levels of visfatin and a consistent trend toward an increase of regulatory T cells in the peripheral blood, both indicating attenuation of inflammation. However, key proteins of bone metabolism were unchanged on a systemic level, suggesting that these factors act locally after radon spa therapy of patients with MSDs.

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This study aims to compare the effects of balneological treatments applied at consecutive and intermittent sessions without interfering with their daily routine in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This is a randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial. Fifty patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis were included. The patients were divided into two groups. All patients were given a total of ten sessions of balneological treatment consisting of hydrotherapy and mud pack therapy. Group 1 received consecutive treatment for 2 weeks, while group 2 received intermittent treatment for 5 weeks. Local peloid packs at 45 °C were applied for 20 min, after a tap water (38 °C) bath. Evaluations were conducted before, after treatment, and at 12th week of post-treatment by Pain (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Short Form-36 (SF-36). Both balneological treatment regimens of knee osteoarthritis had statistically significant clinical effects as well as effects on the quality of life. Patients' well-being continued at 3 months, except for joint stiffness (WOMAC), role-emotional (SF-36), and vitality (SF-36) in group 1 and for mental health (SF-36) in both groups. Both patient groups had improved compared to baseline. However, at 3 months after the treatment, the well-being of group 2 was unable to be maintained in terms of role-physical (SF-36) parameter, while the well-being of group 1 was unable to be maintained in terms of pain, WOMAC (pain, physical functions, total), and SF-36 (physical functioning, role-physical, pain, role-emotional, and mental health) variables, compared to data obtained immediately after treatment. Our study suggests that traditional and intermittent balneological therapies have similar efficacy in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

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  We examined the anti-arteriosclerosis effects of spa treatment in diabetes. We also conducted a comparative study which included non-diabetes patients and diabetes patients who did not receive spa treatment. Methods: Subjects were 104 spa-treated diabetes inpatients at this hospital (Group 1), 60 spa-treated non-diabetes inpatients at this hospital (Group 2), and 28 diabetes patients at other facilities who did not receive spa treatment (Group 3). Ankle-brachial index (ABI) tests were conducted upon admittance and discharge. Results: ABI for diabetes patients (Group 1) showed significant improvement from 1.10±0.01 to 1.12±0.01 on the right side (p<0.01). The left side also showed significant improvement from 1.06±0.02 to 1.09±0.01 (p<0.01). However, non-diabetes patients (Group 2) showed no change on the right side (1.09±0.01 to 1.07±0.02) or left side (1.08±0.01 to 1.06±0.02). Diabetes patients who did not receive spa treatment (Group 3) also showed no change on the right side (1.07±0.03 to 1.05±0.03) or the left side (1.05±0.03 to 1.06±0.03). Discussion: We measured the patients in Group 1, before and after spa treatment, for arteriosclerosis markers Total PAI-1 and high sensitivity C-reactive protein, oxidative stress marker TNF-α, and good adipocytokine adiponectin. Total PAI-1 showed a decrease, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein and TNF-α showed a significant decrease, while adiponectin showed a significant increase. Spa treatment was shown to effectively fight arteriosclerosis and inflammation, and to improve endothelial functions. Conclusion: The changes shown in this study were not seen in non-diabetes patients and diabetes patients who did not receive spa treatment. Therefore, we believe that spa treatment is beneficial for pathological changes caused by diabetes that are particularly skewed towards arteriosclerosis.

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  We examined the anti-arteriosclerosis effects of spa treatment in diabetes. We also conducted a comparative study which included non-diabetes patients and diabetes patients who did not receive spa treatment.<BR><b>Methods:</b> Subjects were 104 spa-treated diabetes inpatients at this hospital (Group 1), 60 spa-treated non-diabetes inpatients at this hospital (Group 2), and 28 diabetes patients at other facilities who did not receive spa treatment (Group 3). Ankle-brachial index (ABI) tests were conducted upon admittance and discharge.<BR><b>Results:</b> ABI for diabetes patients (Group 1) showed significant improvement from 1.10±0.01 to 1.12±0.01 on the right side (p<0.01). The left side also showed significant improvement from 1.06±0.02 to 1.09±0.01 (p<0.01). However, non-diabetes patients (Group 2) showed no change on the right side (1.09±0.01 to 1.07±0.02) or left side (1.08±0.01 to 1.06±0.02). Diabetes patients who did not receive spa treatment (Group 3) also showed no change on the right side (1.07±0.03 to 1.05±0.03) or the left side (1.05±0.03 to 1.06±0.03). <BR><b>Discussion:</b> We measured the patients in Group 1, before and after spa treatment, for arteriosclerosis markers Total PAI-1 and high sensitivity C-reactive protein, oxidative stress marker TNF-α, and good adipocytokine adiponectin. Total PAI-1 showed a decrease, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein and TNF-α showed a significant decrease, while adiponectin showed a significant increase. Spa treatment was shown to effectively fight arteriosclerosis and inflammation, and to improve endothelial functions.<BR><b>Conclusion:</b> The changes shown in this study were not seen in non-diabetes patients and diabetes patients who did not receive spa treatment. Therefore, we believe that spa treatment is beneficial for pathological changes caused by diabetes that are particularly skewed towards arteriosclerosis.