Effects of Treatment at a Medical Resort on the Quality of Life in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the connective tissue that damages articular and periarticular tissue and leads to the development of permanent deformities and disability. Aim: To assess the quality of life of rheumatoid arthritis patients after treatment at a medical resort. M aterial and Methods: The study assessed 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated at a medical hospital in Busko-Zdrój. The study group consisted of 18 women and 12 men over the age of 50 years. The patients underwent sulphide/hydrogen sulphide baths and physical therapy procedures. The data collected in the study was statistically analysed using Excel; calculations were performed with the SPSS Statistica 21.0 software. A chi-squared test was used to assess statistical correlations between variables. Results: After spa hospital treatment, all patients reported reduced pain, improved well-being, reduced duration of morning joint stiffness, and improved independence; the pain-free walking distance markedly increased. The treatment had a beneficial influence on the quality of life of study patients. Conclusions: 1. Rheumatoid arthritis is a difficult clinical and social problem. 2. The balneotherapy and physical therapy used in the study reduced the duration of morning joint stiffness and pain experienced by the patients. 3. The balneotherapy and physical therapy used in the study had a positive effect on the ability to ambulate, increasing the pain-free walking distance, and improving the quality of life.