Effects of mud therapy on perceived pain and quality of life related to health in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Objective: To analyze the effects of mud therapy on perceived pain, Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) and drug use in patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. Material and methods: A prospective, controlled clinical trial. The sample (n = 147) was divided into an experimental group (EG) of 61 subjects (69.13 +/- 5,60 years) who received 11 consecutive sessions of peloids in the knee/s affected by the process described and a control group (CG) of 60 subjects (73.08 +/- 8,90 years) who continued routine drug treatment. The sample was assessed before and after intervention using the SF-36, Visual Analogue Scale and changes in drug use, setting a significance level of P <=.05. Results: After the intervention, there were statistically significant differences (P<. 05) in all parameters analyzed between EG and CG, reduced drug use in the EG versus no change in the CG. The general health, bodily pain and perceived pain are those that show major changes between the two groups. Conclusions: Mud therapy in patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis attains immediate effects on perceived pain and HRQOL, reducing the consumption of specific drugs. Studies are needed to evaluate the scientific evidence from the effects of such intervention. (C) 2012 Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.