Bath Therapy Research Articles

A Review on Osteoarthritis Knee Management via Contrast Bath Therapy and Physical Therapy.

One of the body's main weight-bearing joints is the knee joint. For this reason, osteoarthritis typically involves it. Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is the condition in which sub-chondral sclerosis of bone occurs, narrowing of joint space is present, and osteophyte formation is seen at the edges of the bone; because of this, there is pain, reduced knee range of motion, and this leads to functional activity limitations. This prevalence is increasing because of a reduced active lifestyle; this is becoming usual in younger populations. Non-pharmacological management of this condition using contrast bath therapy given by different methods like using hot and cold water, towel compression, and smart knee pad device, causes alternate vasodilatation and vasoconstriction helps to reduce pain symptoms. Physical therapy exercises like stretching, strengthening hip and knee muscles, and balance training showed beneficial effects on a range of motion and activities. Articles using keywords were searched on Google Scholar and PubMed, 70 articles were seen of which eight were reviewed that meet the inclusion criteria. Contrast therapy helps to remove metabolic waste by improving blood flow thus reducing pain. Strengthening the hip and knee muscles helps to stabilize the knee joint, and balance exercises help to improve proprioception. From this review, it is concluded that contrast bath therapy is effective in reducing pain when given with different methods of application as compared to individual hot or cold treatment, and given with the help of a device will be more effective than the traditional method. Along with this strengthening of the knee and hip musculature, stretching and balance exercise helps to improve range and functional activity. Exercise and electrotherapy aid in symptom relief and slow the progression rate of this condition.

Effects of alternating heat and cold stimulation at different cooling rates using a wearable thermo device on shoulder muscle stiffness: a cross-over study

BackgroundA small, wearable thermo device that uses Peltier elements for programmed heat and cold stimulation has been developed recently and is expected to be applied in conventional contrast bath therapy. This study was aimed to examine improvements in trapezius muscle hardness and subjective symptoms resulting from alternating heat and cold stimulation, with different rates of cooling.MethodsThis cross-over study included four conditions. Twenty healthy young male individuals (age, 22.3 ± 4.5 years) participated in this study. These four interventions targeted the unilateral trapezius muscle of the dominant arm after a 15-min typing task. Specifically, heat and cold stimulations were applied at different ratios (the heating/cooling rate of 3:1, 3:2, and 3:3) or not applied. Each intervention was separated by at least one week. Skin temperature at the stimulation area was recorded using a data logger. Outcome measures included muscle hardness (measured using a portable tester) and subjective symptoms (muscle stiffness and fatigue). Each item was assessed at three time points: baseline, after typing, and after the intervention.ResultsTwo-way analysis of variance with repeated measures found an interaction effect for muscle hardness between four conditions (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, and no) and three time points (p < 0.05). Only in the 3:1 condition were the post-intervention values lower than those after typing (p < 0.01). There was also an interaction effect for subjective muscle stiffness (p < 0.05); the values after the intervention in the 3:1 condition were lower than those after intervention in the no stimulation condition (p < 0.01). There was no significant relationship between changes in muscle hardness and changes in subjective symptoms in the 3:1 condition.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that alternating heat and cold stimulations with a different cooling rate could affect the degree of improvement in muscle hardness and subjective symptoms. In particular, the 3:1 condition has the possibility to improved muscle hardness within the condition and subjective muscle stiffness between conditions.Trial registrationUMIN000040620. Registered 1 June 2020, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000046359

A study to assess the effectiveness of warm foot bath therapy on the reduction of blood pressure among hypertensive patients attending a tertiary care setting

Background: The goal of hypertension management is to keep blood pressure within normal bounds while also enhancing elderly patients’ quality of life and health. Warm foot baths are a straightforward, affordable, and effective therapy method that can be used in naturopathy to alleviate hypertension. Materials and Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental design that included two groups, the hypertensive intervention group and hypertensive control group, which was studied over 3 months between March 2020 and May 2020. The necessary ethical committee permissions with reference number VMRF/2020/037 and informed consent from all the patients included have been obtained properly before proceeding with the study. Results: Among the 100 individuals involved in the study, 53% were males and 47% were females. The mean age among the intervention group was 53.62 ± 7.26, and 52.84 ± 6.47 among the control group. The majority of the males included in the study were nonsmokers (69.8%). The mean ± standard deviation of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in the intervention group during the pretest phase was 157.3 ± 13.4 and 88.1 ± 9.4, whereas, after the intervention of foot bath therapy, the measurements of SBP and DBP were reduced significantly to 133.8 ± 9.7 and 76.9 ± 7.2, which was statistically significant with a P value &lt; 0.001. Conclusion: Warm foot bath soak therapy is anticipated to be used as a nonpharmacological treatment for hypertension in older patients.

Essential Oils, Phytoncides, Aromachology, and Aromatherapy—A Review

Chemical compounds from plants have been used as a medicinal source for various diseases. Aromachology is a unique field that studies the olfactory effects after inhaling aromatic compounds. Aromatherapy is a complementary treatment methodology involving the use of essential oils containing phytoncides and other volatile organic compounds for various physical and mental illnesses. Phytoncides possess an inherent medicinal property. Their health benefits range from treating stress, immunosuppression, blood pressure, respiratory diseases, anxiety, and pain to anti-microbial, anti-larvicidal, anti-septic, anti-cancer effects, etc. Recent advancements in aromatherapy include forest bathing or forest therapy. The inhalation of phytoncide-rich forest air has been proven to reduce stress-induced immunosuppression, normalize immune function and neuroendocrine hormone levels, and, thus, restore physiological and psychological health. The intricate mechanisms related to how aroma converts into olfactory signals and how the olfactory signals relieve physical and mental illness still pose enormous questions and are the subject of ongoing research. Aromatherapy using the aroma of essential oils/phytoncides could be more innovative and attractive to patients. Moreover, with fewer side effects, this field might be recognized as a new field of complementary medicine in alleviating some forms of physical and mental distress. Essential oils are important assets in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and food preservatives. The use of essential oils as an aromatherapeutic agent is widespread. Detailed reports on the effects of EOs in aromatherapy and their pharmacological effects are required to uncover its complete biological mechanism. This review is about the evolution of research related to phytoncides containing EOs in treating various ailments and provides comprehensive details from complementary medicine.

Combination of diabetic Foot Spa and Sauna Bathing Therapy Decreases the Level of Blood Glucose

Introduction: There was evidence that diabatic foot spa has a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels, but the combination of diabetic foot spa and sauna bathing have never been carried out to decrease blood glucose. The aim of this study was to analyze the combination of diabetic foot spa and sauna bathing therapy and its impact on blood glucose levels. Methods: The data studied were blood glucose levels. This data can be obtained after administering a combination of diabetic foot spa and sauna bathing and afterward. Then this data was analyzed using an independent t test with p value of 0.000 (p &lt;0.005). Results: : This study showed that 60 respondents, mostly 58.3% were aged 45- 60 years, almost half of the respondents (48.3%) had suffered from DM for &lt;1- 5 years, (70%) women, from the independent t test obtained blood glucose p value= 0.000 (p &lt;0.05). Conclusion: There was a decrease level of blood glucose after the patients receive the diabetic foot spa and sauna bathing therapy.

PENERAPAN TERAPI RENDAM KAKI DENGAN AIR JAHE HANGAT TERHADAP PENURUNAN NYERI PADA PASIEN ARTHRITIS GOUT DI PUSKESMAS MUNGKID KABUPATEN MAGELANG

Gouty arthritis is a disease caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints of the body. Gouty arthritis that is not treated effectively can develop into chronic gout, form tofus, and can lead to severe kidney function impairment, and decreased quality of life. The purpose of the case study was to describe the application of foot soak therapy with warm ginger water to reduce pain in gout arthritis patients at Mungkid Public Health Center, Magelang Regency. This type of research is descriptive using a case study approach. The subjects in this study were two patients diagnosed with gouty arthritis. Data collection was carried out by observing pain scales in patients based on Standard Operating Procedures for measuring patient pain scales before and after warm ginger foot soak therapy. The results of the case study showed that after the implementation of diabetic foot exercises, it was found that there was a decrease in pain levels in subjects I and II. In subject I there was a decrease in the pain scale from a pain scale of 8 (severe) to a mild scale of 3 and in subject II there was a decrease in the pain scale of 7 (moderate) to a scale of 2 (mild). The conclusion of the case study is that the application of foot bath therapy with warm ginger water is effective in reducing pain levels in gouty arthritis patients. Recommendations need to apply foot soak therapy with warm ginger water to reduce pain levels in patients with diabetes arthritis gout.

A Study to Assess the Effect of Hot Water Foot Bath Therapy on the Quality of Sleep among Elderly Patients Admitted in Hanagal Shree Kumareshwar Hospital and Research Centre, Bagalkot

Background of the Study: Sleep is the basic need of every human being and it is the universal biological process for all human beings. Sleep trouble is one of the most common current manifestations among elders. Objectives To assess the quality of sleep among elderly patients in both control and experimental group To determine the effectiveness of hot water foot bath therapy by comparing post interventional quality of sleep scores between experimental and control groups. Method: True experimental research design with 2 group design was used. The total 50 subjects were selected through convenient sampling technique divided into 2 groups; 25each as experimental and control groups assigned through simple randomized sampling. Data was collected by means of structured questionnaire by interview schedule and the tool used was PSQI tool. Data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistical in terms of mean, frequency distribution, percentage, t test and Fisher’s exact test. Results: In overall pre-test mean scores was 2.12±0.23 (21.22%) in the experimental group and in the control group, overall pre-test mean score was 1.18±0.337(11.88%). The pre test Knowledge score was not Statistically Significant between the Experimental and control group. T value (r=1.076) was higher than p value (0.647): H1 is accepted hence hot water foot bath therapy was effective. Fisher’s exact test was revealed that with the pre and post test scores were statistically not significant in both the groups. Conclusion: The study proved that hot water foot bath therapy on quality of sleep among elderly patients attending the OPD and IPD is scientific, logical and cost-effective strategy. Keywords: Effectiveness, Quality of Sleep, foot bath therapy, elderly patients.

Effects of alternating heat and cold stimulation using a wearable thermo-device on subjective and objective shoulder stiffness

BackgroundTechnological innovations have allowed the use of miniature apparatus that can easily control and program heat and cold stimulations using Peltier elements. The wearable thermo-device has a potential to be applied to conventional contrast bath therapy. This study aimed to examine the effects of alternating heat and cold stimulation (HC) using a wearable thermo-device on subjective and objective improvement of shoulder stiffness.MethodsTwenty healthy young male individuals (20.3 ± 0.6 years) participated in this study. The interventions were randomly conducted under four conditions, including HC, heat stimulation, cold stimulation, and no stimulation on their bilateral trapezius muscle, after a 30-min typing task. Each intervention was administered at least 1 week apart. The analyzed limb was the dominant arm. Muscle hardness was assessed using a portable muscle hardness meter, as well as the skin temperature over the stimulated area. After each condition, the participants were asked for feedback regarding subjective improvement in refreshed feelings, muscle stiffness, and muscle fatigue using an 11-point numerical rating scale.ResultsWith regard to muscle hardness, only the HC condition significantly decreased from 1.43 N to 1.37 N (d = 0.44, p < 0.05). Additionally, reduced muscle hardness in HC condition was associated with the degree of skin cooling during the intervention (cold max: r = 0.634, p < 0.01; cold change: r = −0.548, p < 0.05). Subjective improvement in refreshed feelings, muscle stiffness, and muscle fatigue was determined in the HC and heat stimulation conditions compared with the no stimulation condition (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Moreover, the HC condition showed significantly greater improvements in muscle stiffness and fatigue compared to the cold stimulation condition (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe current study demonstrated that HC promoted not only better subjective symptoms, such as muscle stiffness and fatigue, but also lesser muscle hardness. Furthermore, an association was observed between the degree of skin temperature cooling and reduced muscle hardness during HC. Further investigations on the ratio and intensity of cooling should be conducted in the future to establish the optimal HC protocol for muscle stiffness or fatigue.Trial registrationUMIN000040620. Registered 1 June 2020

Effectiveness of hot water foot bath therapy on body temperature among patients with fever in selected ICUs of a tertiary care hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab

Fever itself is not an illness. A fever is usually a sign that immune system is busy fighting an infection or other illness. Water is an excellent conductor, which allows it to transfer heat effectively and quickly. Water has a temperature conducting capacity twenty-seven times that of air. When Hot Water Foot Bath applied for 15-20 minutes the blood vessels in the feet starts expanding and gets improved circulation, and relieving aches, tiredness and fever. The improved blood circulation resets the hypothalamic set points by heat transfer from higher heat area to lower heat area. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of hot water foot bath therapy on body temperature among patients with fever. Methodology: In this study, with Quantitative approach, pre-test and post-test control group design was used. This study was conducted in ICUs of Tertiary care Hospital, Ludhiana The target population consists of patients with fever admitted in ICUs. Purposive sampling technique was used to draw sample from target population as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. With lottery method, patients (N= 50) were divided into two groups i.e. n1=25 (experimental group) and n2=25 (Control group). Pre-test of body temperature was done by using standardized digital thermometer. For experimental group, hot water foot bath therapy at 107.6 °F (42°C) water temperature as measured with lotion thermometer was given for 15 minutes. Later, post-test of body temperature was done to determine the effectiveness of hot water foot bath therapy. Result: The findings of the study showed that significant difference has been found in experimental group and control group in pre-test and post-test between the groups and within experimental groups. In between the groups, i.e. in experimental group was 99.424±0.5811 and in control group was 100.648±05516. Within the experimental group, mean value of body temperature in pre-test was 100.632 ±0.4110 °F, in posttest it was 99.424 ±0.5811°F, whereas, in control group mean value of body temperature in pre-test was 100.624±0.4944°F, and in post-test it was 100.648±0.5516°F. Conclusion: The finding of the study demonstrated that hot water foot bath therapy was an effective non-Pharmacological method to reduce the body temperature. The mean post-test body temperature was lower than mean pre-test body temperature. There was significant difference in body temperature has been found between the experimental group and control group, as well as with in the experimental group in pre-test and post-test.

Очистка сточных вод грязелечебниц с применением коагулянта

The paper investigates the composition, characteristics and methods of treatment of mud-bath wastewater from suspended solids as the main quality indicator permitting the reuse of this wastewater. In order to improve the effectiveness of treatment, the authors studied the method of coagulation with the use of various dosages of coagulant produced in Russia. There were determined indicators of mud bath wastewater quality indicators before and after performing coagulation. Studies were carried out on full-scale wastewater from the mud bath clinic. Conclusions were made regarding the effectiveness of reducing such indicators as chromaticity and turbidity after coagulation. The optimal dosages of aluminum-based coagulating agents for effective treatment of wastewater from mud baths were determined. The results of this work are recommended for use in the development of methods to improve the technological system of cleaning of existing mud bath clinics and at designing new complexes of mud bath therapy.

Efficacy of mud plus bath therapy as compared to bath therapy in osteoarthritis of hands and knees: a pilot single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

The primary objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of mud plus bath therapy in comparison to bath therapy alone in hand and knee osteoarthritis (HOA and KOA). We conducted a single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT). Patients were randomly assigned to either mud plus bath therapy (group 1) or balneotherapy (group 2). The primary outcome was a change in AUSCAN questionnaire for HOA and in WOMAC for KOA at month 12. Evaluations were performed at baseline (B), immediately after the interventions (week 2, W2) and after 3 (M3), 6 (M6), 9 (M9) and 12 (M12) months. 37 patients with KOA and 52 with HOA were randomized in the study. In HOA patients, AUSCAN pain improved more in group 1 compared to group 2 at M3, M6 and M12 (p<0.001, p=0.001 and p=0.038, respectively). AUSCAN stiffness improved more in group 1 at M3 (p=0.001). AUSCAN function improved more at M3, M6, M9 and M12 (p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.014 and p=0.018, respectively). Regarding, KOA, WOMAC function decreased more prominently in group 1 compared to group 2 at M9 (p=0.007). The absolute values of WOMAC function at M6 and M9 were lower in group 1 compared to group 2 (p=0.029 and p=0.001, respectively). WOMAC pain absolute values were lower in group 1 at W2 (p=0.044) and at M9 (p=0.08). We conducted a RCT on the efficacy of mud plus balneotherapy over balneotherapy alone in HOA and KOA. We found that mud plus balneotherapy was more effective than balneotherapy alone on clinical outcomes of HOA. Differences in clinical outcomes of KOA were not significant, yet numerically higher.

A Novel Bathing Therapeutic Approach for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Ineffective healing and treatment of foot ulcers can lead to an infection and gangrene of the wound area that ultimately results in the loss of the limb. The incidence of foot ulcers is higher in patients with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease and kidney disease. Accordingly, this study was undertaken to assess the ability of foot bathing in CO2-enriched water to heal foot ulcers. The design was a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Patients with at least one foot ulcer were randomized to receive either a treatment with bath therapy at 37 ± 0.5 °C containing either 1000–1200 ppm CO2-enriched tap water (the intervention) or non-carbonated tap water at 37 ± 0.5 °C (the control group). Treatment was conducted three times/week for 15 min per session for up to 16 weeks for a total of 48 treatment sessions. Before and at the end of every treatment month, wound size, wound area oxygenation and the ankle brachial index were measured. In addition, the McGill pain questionnaire was conducted. Blood was also collected at these time points (for a total of five collections) for the measurement of different biomarkers. While no significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) in the group/time interaction effect were observed, a clear separation within the wound area reduction/wound area/oxygenated Hb outcomes was seen between placebo (control) and treatment (CO2) group. This pilot study is suggestive that bathing in CO2-enriched water may accelerate the healing of foot ulcers.

The role of place attachment in recreation experience and outcome preferences among forest bathers

Forest bathing or forest therapy encompasses slow mindful walking and deep immersion in nature while utilizing all sensory systems, which can occur during multiple recreation activities. This study examined differences in demographic and visit characteristics, recreation experience preferences (i.e., experiential on-site benefits sought), and improved well-being outcome preferences (i.e., long-term off-site outcomes) based on forest bathers’ varying levels of place attachment. The study was framed by immersion in nature benefits-related theories and an Outcomes-Focused Management approach. Using a convenience sample and several forest bathing criteria, responses (N = 247) were voluntarily and anonymously collected with an exit survey of forest bathing participants at national, county, and metropolitan/municipal forests in South Korea from late July to mid-September in 2014. Cluster analysis segmented forest bathing participants into three place attachment groups (Low-Medium-High). Results revealed that forest bathers experiencing higher levels of place attachment were more likely to be non-local, repeat visitors who partake in water-based immersion and mindful forest walking activities. More highly attached forest bathing participants considered various on-site recreation benefits (e.g., social connection, nature enjoyment, physical and mental health) to be more important than less attached forest bathing participants. Also, more highly attached forest bathing participants rated preferences for various improved well-being outcomes, including psychophysiological, psychological, social, economic, and environmental factors significantly higher. Results suggest that forest bathing participation has a significant role in enhancing positive well-being benefits. ∙ Forest therapy known as ‘forest bathing’ is a globally emerging and increasingly popular recreational activity in natural areas. ∙Forest bathing participants with higher levels of attachment to a natural area report stronger preferences for achieving not only on-site personal, health and social benefits but also off-site personal, social, economic, and environmental benefits. ∙Managers can prepare maps indicating sitting places to reflect on natural features and engage with notable natural elements during their forest bathing experience. ∙Forest bathing participants often develop a high sense of attachment to and desire diverse benefit opportunities in the natural area so managers are advised to offer several forest bathing trails of varying lengths with various natural features, so that the more attached forest bathers can achieve the higher levels of experience outcomes they seek. These opportunities should be clearly communicated through websites and trailhead displays to ensure that first-time and long-term visitors are aware of the diverse opportunities available. ∙Since forest bathers are shown to be more highly attached to their natural area, this can benefit managers by having visitors who are more likely to be advocates and supporters of their natural areas when threats emerge or additional funding is needed.

HEALTH EDUCATION TERHADAP PENGETAHUAN IBU HAMIL TENTANG TERAPI SITZ BATH DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS BALONG KABUPATEN PONOROGO

Haemorrhoids are common in pregnant women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Increased intra-pressure due to fetal growth and changes in the hormone progesterone causes the hemorrhoidal veins to become wide. Pregnancy hemorrhoids are temporary hemorrhoids which means they will disappear some time after delivery, but can cause a very uncomfortable feeling, itching around the anus and even bleeding during bowel movements. Therefore, self care is needed, one of them is the sitz bath method.&#x0D; The design in this study is a pre-experiment with the One Group Pretest-Posttest design approach. The population in this study were all mothers with hemorrhoids who participated in the pregnant class at Balong Health Center for the period of 1-28 February 2020, a total of 37 people. The sampling method used accidental sampling of 31 people. Instrument with quesioner Statistical test using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test through the SPSS program with α = 0.05.&#x0D; The result of knowledge of mothers about Sitz Bath Therapy in the Work Area of ​​Puskesmas Balong, Ponorogo Regency, before health education was carried out, most of them were 16 respondents (51.6%) had sufficient knowledge and after health education was carried out most of them 18 respondents (58.1%) had good knowledge. There is an effect of health education on maternal knowledge about Sitz Bath Therapy in the working area of ​​ Health Center Balong, Ponorogo with a p value of 0.000 ≤ α 0.05.&#x0D; The role of health workers as educators is better to carry out routine health education during the provision of care, especially regarding the method of sitz bath therapy so that targets can better understand and be able to overcome hemorrhoid problems that occur in pregnancy.

Forest Bathing Therapy: The Healing Power of Nature

The Japanese practice of shinrin yoku, or Forest Bathing, is good for Health and wellbeing. It is proven to reduce stress hormone production, improve feelings of happiness and free up creativity, as well as lower heart rate and blood pressure, boost the immune system and accelerate recovery from illness. This article aims to clarify the health benefits of forest bathing therapy. Electronic databases were searched in order to obtain the related data. The main findings confirms that forest bathing therapy may have many beneficial effects on human health. Longitudinal research, conducted worldwide, is needed to produce new evidence of the forest bathing therapy as an effective health-promotion method.

PENGARUH RENDAM KAKI DENGAN AIR HANGAT TERHADAP PENURUNAN TEKANAN DARAH PADA LANSIA HIPERTENSI DI KELURAHAN GAHARU

Hypertension is an increase in diastolic and systolic blood pressure that is intermittent or persistent. The national prevalence of hypertension at the age of 55-64 years is 45.9%, those aged 65 years and over are 57.6%, and those aged 75 years and over are 63.8%. One of the complementary alternative therapies in hypertensive patients is doing "hydrotherapy" which can lower blood pressure if done regularly. The treatment is soaking the feet in warm water. This study aims to determine the effect of foot soak with warm water on reducing blood pressure in hypertensive elderly in Gaharu Village. This type of research is a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pre and post test design. The sampling technique used in this study was purposive sampling with a total sample of 40 respondents. Collecting data in this study using observation sheets. From the results of the paired t test showed that there was a significant effect before and after foot bath therapy with warm water, the p-value = 0.000 (&lt;0.05). It is recommended for elderly people with hypertension to control their blood pressure to health services and routinely perform complementary therapy of foot soaks with warm water to lower blood pressure.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use and Quality of Life among Filipino Adult Psoriasis Vulgaris Patients Seen in a Tertiary Center: A Cross-sectional Study

Objective. To determine the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use and its association with quality of life (QOL) among Filipino adult psoriasis vulgaris patients.&#x0D; Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in an outpatient dermatology department of a tertiary hospital, using a semi-structured, interview-guided questionnaire, and a self-administered QOL questionnaire, the dermatology life quality index (DLQI).&#x0D; Results. A total of 135 Filipino adult patients with psoriasis vulgaris were included. The prevalence of CAM use was 47%, with most CAM users being female and single. Completion of tertiary education was found significantly associated with CAM use (p &lt; 0.05). A greater body surface area involvement and longer disease duration were more common among CAM users but these were not statistically significant. Special diet (56.3%) was the most commonly used type of CAM, followed by herbal medicine (46.9%), bath therapy (18.9%) and faith healing (12.5%). Major sources of CAM information were families (43.8%), internet/social media (28.1%) and health professionals (25%). Around 40% of the participants used CAM out of curiosity. The mean DLQI score of the respondents was 11.3 (±7.3) corresponding to poor quality of life. CAM use was significantly associated with negative impact on physical symptoms and feelings, daily activities, and work and school (P = 0.044; P = 0.019; P = 0.047). After adjusting for confounding variables, patients with poor QOL were twice more likely to use CAM but this was not statistically significant (odds ratio [OR], 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78-3.95; P = 0.17).&#x0D; Conclusions. The use of CAM is prevalent among Filipino adult patients with psoriasis vulgaris. The significant association between CAM use and a poor quality of life may reflect the unmet physical and psychosocial needs of patients. A patient-perspective approach should acknowledge the reasons for CAM use, which could guide the physicians in imparting available scientific evidence, or the lack thereof, for the use of CAM to these patients.

Pengaruh Contrasbath Therapy dan Rheumatic Exercise Terhadap Perubahan Nyeri dan Rentang Gerak pada Lansia Penderita Osteoarthritis

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic and progressive joint disorder that is usually found in middle to old age, which is characterized by damage to cartilages located in the joints of the bones. Its presence is often followed by muscle weakness, limitation in movement and local pain—ultimately decreases the quality of life for patients suffering from it. Purpose: This study aims to analyse the effect of contrast bath therapy and rheumatic exercise on changes of pain and movement range in older people with osteoarthritis. Methods: This research used a quantitative method, i.e., Quasi-Experiment with One Group Pretest-Posttest Design. Based on the design, intervention was only conductedtowards one group without comparison. The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed by comparing the scores pre-test and post-test of 35 elderly respondents, whose inclusion criteria were: elderly residents of the Padu Wau Waipare Social Care Center, Kangae District, Sikka Regency; age> 60 years; having a medical history of knee osteoarthritis and complaints of joint pain (scale 1-9);and not currently experiencing inflammation with uncontrolled severe joint pain scale (scale 10) whichrequires elderlies to have bedrest then analysed using wilcoxon test statistical. Results : The result of Wilcoxon test statistical test indicates that there is an effect of rheumatic exercise and contrast bath therapy on changes in pain levels and range of motion before and after rheumatic exercise therapy in which from the total of 35 respondents who were observed, the z value = -3.357b<z table value and p value = 0.001 (p <0.05). Conclusion: that there is a significant effect caused by rheumatic exercise and contrast bath therapy on changes in pain levels and range of motion. Keywords: Contrast Bath Therapy,Rheumatic Exercise, Pain, Range of Motion, Osteoarthritis, Elderly

Therapeutic Effect Of Warm Fragrant Lemongrass Foot Soak Against Changes In The Joint Pain Scale Of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Uric acid is a natural antioxidant produced by the human body, but it can trigger rheumatoid arthritis if the amount exceeds the normal threshold with typical symptoms in the form of pain accompanied by swelling in the joint area, even in advanced conditions there is joint stiffness. Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle or lemongrass is an effective plant to reduce joint pain and swelling. The purpose of this study was to describe the effect of warm lemongrass foot bath therapy on changes in the scale of joint pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This study is a pre-experimental study with one group pre-test and post-test design without a control group, changes after two days of soaking warm lemongrass feet by observing changes in the pain scale of 23 respondents. The Wilcoxon test results showed that there was a change in the pain scale after intervention with a value of p = 0.01, which means that warm scented lemongrass foot soak affects reducing the pain scale of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The warm sensation of the foot soaking intervention provides a peripheral vasodilation effect which causes a decrease in joint pain in inflamed tissues, the chemical effect of citronellal compounds is around 32-45%, geraniol 12-18%, and citronellol 12-25% in citronella plants are also proven to play a role in reducing pain. This study concluded that warm lemongrass foot soaking therapy affected the changes in the scale of joint pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The effect of balneotherapy with natural mineral dissolved water on dry skin in atopic dermatitis: A phase IIa, nonrandomized, controlled study

AbstractObjectivesIt has been known that the use of moisturizers is useful in preventing the onset and maintaining remission of atopic dermatitis (AD). We recently focused on the moisturizing effect of natural mineral dissolved water and have conducted various studies. In this study, we investigated whether the bath treatment using natural mineral dissolved water can improve dry skin in AD patient in prospective nonblind, nonrandomized controlled study.MethodsThirteen adults with almost clear to moderate AD took bath therapy using tap water for 13 days, followed by bath therapy using natural mineral dissolved water for 13 days. Changes in the severity scoring, patient‐oriented eczema measure, pruritus numerical rating scale, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and hydration were evaluated at day1, 14 and 28.ResultsTap water using bath treatment did not change the severity scoring and itch associated score, and it partially decrease TEWL when compared with baseline condition. Bath treatment using natural mineral dissolved water slightly decrease eczema area and severity index (EASI) score and significantly decrease TEWL with respect to baseline condition. Moreover, in relatively severe AD analysis, bath treatment with mineral dissolved water significantly decreased EASI and TEWL.ConclusionsBased on these results, bathing with natural mineral dissolved water may be effective in improving the dry skin of atopic dermatitis. Further studies are needed to evaluate its effects more clearly.