Research Paper : The Effect of Spa Therapy on Osteoarthritis

Lee, Si Kyoung; Jeun, Yeun Suk

Journal of the Korean Society of Cosmetology 2008;14(3):808-816.
Published online September 30, 2008.

골관절염증상에 대한 Spa Therapy의 효과

이시경, 전연숙

Research Paper : The Effect of Spa Therapy on Osteoarthritis

Si Kyoung Lee, Yeun Suk Jeun

Abstract

Several studies suggest a beneficial overall effect of spa therapy in chronic musculoskeletal diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of spa therapy on pain, fatigue, body composition, physical fitness and psychological variables with osteoarthritis. In 2008, 23 women older than 50 years were included in the study. With spa-therapeutic design, 23 women who had arthritis were assigned into an experimental group (n=12) or a control group (n=11). Spa therapy consisted of one hour of exercise in water, two days per week, for six weeks and a self-help process. Measures included physiologic and psychological variables before and after the exercise. Data was analyzed with the SPSS/WIN 12.0 using descriptive statistics, t-test, and ANCOVA. The mean age of the subjects was 62 years in the experimental group and 63 years in the control group. Pretest scores in outcome variables were similar in both groups except BMI and body fat(%). After controlling for age, shoulder flexibility scores in the experimental group improved more than the control group. Depression scores in the experimental group decreased, and self efficacy and quality of life improved more than the others. Spa therapy can improve waist flexibility and shows consistent findings of improved shoulder flexibility and psychological function in women with osteoarthritis.

Key Words: Osteoarthritis, Quality of Life, Spa Therapy, BMI