Integrated Thermal Rehabilitation Care: An Intervention Study

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of integrated thermal rehabilitation care (ITRC) on postural balance and health-related quality of life in subjects with basic autonomy.

Materials and methods: From June to December 2021, a total of 50 individuals with six points on the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and a mean age of 66 (DS ± 12), comprising 27 (54%) males and 23 (46%) females, were selected. This study was carried out at the Thermal Medical Center of Castelnuovo della Daunia (Foggia, Italy), which operates within the National Health Service. The outcome measures were baropodometry (static exam, dynamic exam, and stabilometric exam), a biometric evaluation system, and the EuroQol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D-5L).

Results: Statistical analysis of the data showed how balance affected postural control and how ITRC was able to reduce the body's imbalance and improve quality of life. The vertical angles in frontal projection displayed an increment in the values (head/shoulder, p = 0.009; head/pelvis, p = 0.001; right hip/knee, p = 0.01; right hip/ankle, p = 0.008). In a dynamic analysis, the podalic weight percentage was shown to have a reduction in imbalance on both sides (left side, p = 0.01; right side, p = 0. 01). EQ-5D-5L showed a statistically significant improvement in quality of life and perception of quality of life. Indeed, the health status score improved in all items and in the total rate of the EQ index. In all subjects, walking motility (p = 0.005), self-care (p = 0.002), and habitual activity (p = 0.002) showed statistically significant increments in their values. Pain/discomfort (p = 0.001) and anxiety (p = 0.006) were also reduced. In addition, there was a statistically significant increment in the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score (p = 0.001) for life perception.

Conclusions: The ITRC approach showed how small adjustments and postural rebalancing led to a significant improvement in quality of life. ITRC can be considered an effective treatment with good tolerability for a variety of musculoskeletal disorders.