Relevance of balneotherapy for osteoarthritis-a systematic literature review covering the past 5 years.

purposeThe aim of this systematic review was to focus on the more recent scientific literature describing the effects of balneotherapy on osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND

methodsThis review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Randomized (RCT) or quasi-randomized (QRCT) articles including balneotherapy as an intervention for osteoarthritis were included. The PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Directory of Open Access Journals databases were screened between January 2019 and August 2025. The effects on the parameters pain and function were summarized.

resultsIn total, 1124 relevant articles were identified, 13 of which were fulfilled in inclusion criteria. The PEDro scale score ranged from 5 to 10 points, showing that the articles were of fair to excellent methodological quality. The studies were heterogeneous in terms of treatment protocols and outcome parameters; therefore, pooling of data for meta-analysis was not possible. There were five RCTs (one of which was quasi-randomized) concerning medicinal water (including peat suspensions, etc.). In one of these studies, the authors additionally used mud pack applications for treatment in another intervention group. Regarding packs (peloids, mud, hot packs), five RCTs were included, one of which was a QRCT. One RCT and one QRCT used hydrotherapy (with tap water) as an intervention. Additionally, in one RCT, geotherapy ("Dolomite powder") was used as a treatment. In summary, the included studies demonstrated that balneotherapy might improve pain as well as physical function.

conclusionThe present scientific data demonstrate that balneotherapy results in a reduction of pain and an amelioration of "functional limitations" in patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Balneotherapy appears to be clinically relevant as part of state-of-the-art treatment concepts in these individuals.