ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to systemically review cohort studies of the preventive effects on locomotorium diseases in order to collectively evaluate the evidence.<br> We searched the databases of PubMed, CINAHL, and lchushi-Web for papers published from1990 to September 17, 2009. The search was not limited by the language in which the paper was written.<br> We found only one article (in Japanese) that fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Results in this article showed that bone fractures were significantly lower in the group with two times or more utilization of the hot spa bathing per year compared to the group with one time or less utilization per year, even after adjusting for the confounding effects of exercise habits and WHO-QOL. However, a metaanalysis could not be applied.<br> We propose that it is necessary to conduct more cohort studies in which researchers choose suitable outcome measurements that assess long term effects.
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to systematically review non-randomized controlled trials of balneotherapy effects on locomotorium diseases in order to assess their quality and organize the evidence.<br> We searched the databases of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, JDream ll, and lchushi-Web forpapers published from 1990 to December 2, 2008. Eligible studies were non-randomized controlled trials in which balneotherapy exclusive of underwater exercise was the primary intervention. There was no limitation on the language in which the paper was written.<br> We found only 4 papers (2 in English, 1 in Croatian, and 1 in Japanese) that fulfilled the eligibility criteria. These papers differed in the type of diseases studied, so a meta-analysis could not be applied. Their individual results showed that hot springs treatment in combination with a comprehensive fitness class was more effective than hot springs treatment alone, and that balneotherapy had therapeutic effects on arthrosis deformans, psoriatic arthritis, and lumbago. However, it was difficult to accurately interpret the effects because these papers were deficient in providing descriptions of important details of the studies.<br> To improve the quality of future investigations performed with non-randomized controlled trials, we suggest that investigators design a study based on various checklists, implement interventions, conduct evaluations, finally write papers summarizing their findings.