THE BALNEOTHERAPY LINKS WITH SEAFARERS HEALTH IN RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

Abstract

Study objective: to evaluate the impact of new origin high salinity geothermal water for reinforcing the comprehensive health of seamen and explore the safety profile of water. Methods. 180 seamen were randomized into three groups: geothermal (65) which has got 108 g/l salinity geothermal water bath for 2 weeks daily five times a week, music group (50) which has received music therapy at home, 65 participants have got no treatment. Outcomes measures: systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart and breathing rate, skin temperature, fingertip-floor distance, joint mobility failures, mood scale, VAS pain scale, 5-point Likert‘s well-being scale and cognitive failures questionnaire (CFQ). Safety was assessed for effects on the cardiopulmonary system and the side effects. The statistical analysis of the data was performed by using the SPSS21 software package. Results: after the 2 weeks in geothermal group reduced blood pressure, heart and breathing rate (p0.001); pain (p0.001), skin temperature (p0.05), improved spine (p 0.05) and joint mobility (p 0.001), general well-being (p0.001), mood (p0.001) and cognitive functions (p=0.001) were observed. In the music therapy group reduced breathing rate (p0.01), pain (p0.05) and improved general well-being (p0.01) were observed. Adverse events were rare in both groups. No significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusions: the balneotherapy using very high salinity geothermal waters has multiple health-enhancing effects and is safe for seamen.