Efficacy and safety of balneotherapy in rheumatology: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The efficacy of balneotherapy in rheumatology remains unclear. We aimed to estimate its benefits and risks in rheumatology.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of randomised trials assessing any European balneotherapy for a rheumatological indication in adults versus any control, on clinical outcomes. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and https://clinicaltrials.gov/ (up to 28 November 2023). We used the Cochrane risk of bias tool version 2, funnel plot and asymmetry tests. We used a random effects model with an inverse-variance weighting method for standardised mean difference (SMD) and risk ratio (RR). We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach for two primary outcomes, pain and quality of life (QoL) at 3

SUBMITTER: Aribi I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11865765 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature