Can balneotherapy help regulate blood pressure and pulse? a 10-day randomized trial on clinical efficacy and safety in daily practice.

Abstract

The aim was to examine the effects of Balneotherapy (BT) on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) and to evaluate its clinical reliability in daily practice. The study was planned as a randomized, controlled, single-blind study. 240 patients were divided into two groups. All received a 2-week, 5-day-per-week, 10-session physical therapy (PT) programme. One group additionally received BT. Demographic data was collected. Arterial BP and HR were measured and recorded before and after the every session. The BT+PT group had a higher incidence of side effects (p<0.05). While systolic BP (SBP) decreased between the first and eighth day measurements in the BT+PT group, it increased on the second, fifth, and tenth days (p<0.05). SBP values in the PT group were higher at the third day and on days one through ten (p>0.05). Diastolic BP (DBP) increased at many measurement points in the PT group, but not in the BT+PT group (p>0.05). HR increased over time in both groups, and the sixth day measurement in the PT group was higher than in the BT+PT group (p<0.05). Slope analysis showed significant changes in SBP and DBP. The improved BP and HR values resulting from BT and PT applications show that these can prevent cardiovascular disease and prolong life. BT is safe when used by a qualified physician, especially in comorbid individuals.