Efficiency of spa treatments over time - Spa treatments done regularly, conscientiously, accompanied by a lifestyle recommended by a specialist, can be truly effective over time.

Mineral or thermal waters, mophetic gas, peloids, air, climate, forest, all natural factors are valuable in the recovery of numerous cardiovascular, neurological, rheumatic, respiratory, digestive, renal, endocrine, gynecological, endocrine diseases. In all spa resorts in our country there are prevention programs (primary, secondary, tertiary), medical rehabilitation programs for different pathologies and therapeutic education programs. They all aim to relieve pain, increase joint mobility, improve sleep, increase functionality, functional independence and improve quality of life.

Unlike drug therapy, which is sometimes accompanied by side effects, crenotherapy or drinking mineral spring water, if administered correctly, rarely causes side effects. Studies show that mineral waters taken internally are not active in single doses. Their effect becomes apparent after 20-30 days.

Baths with carbonated mineral water have also been clinically applied for a long time in European countries, but also in resorts spa in our country in cardiovascular recovery with relief of symptoms. However, the desired, long-term sustained effects of carbonated mineral water baths can only be achieved through serial applications. This means a larger number of procedures, but also repeated at intervals.

Efficiency of spa treatments over time. Results of the study from Băile Tusnad

A study was carried out in Băile Tușnad on patients' perception of the effectiveness of these spa treatments over time. Especially since many patients come annually or even twice a year for treatment. About 400 patients were included in the study. The results of this study are in line with international studies. They have shown that the beneficial and long-lasting (medium and long-term) effects of carbonated mineral water baths and spa treatments can only be obtained through serial applications that determine their ultimate effectiveness.

These medium- and long-term effects are not just the sum of individual effects, but rather are brought about by fundamental changes in the autonomic nervous system regarding stimulation, response and adaptive therapy, according to the literature.

Duration of treatment effect analysis

The Băile Tusnad study found that all patients reported a duration of more than one month, with the maximum frequency of those experiencing the effect lasting 2-6 months after leaving the resort (54-62%). And about one third of patients (33 %) said that the effect of treatments exceeded six months.

It was also found that the highest frequency of the maximum duration of positive effects (more than 6 months after treatment) was in the 61-70 age group. For the other age groups, the frequency decreases by up to 10 % for people who come to the resort occasionally. However, for patients who regularly come for treatment (once or twice a year), the high frequency of long-lasting effect (more than 6 months) is also maintained in the older age groups (71-80 years and more than 80 years).

References

Gabriela Dogaru, Andreea-Sabina Scripcă, Adina-Eliza Croitoru, Marieta Motricală, Adriana Bulboacă, Ioana Stănescu. A clinical study regarding the improvement of symptoms and the time efficacy of treatments performed in Băile Tușnad balneoclimatic resort. Balneo Research Journal. 2018;9(2):76-81 Full Text DOI 10.12680/balneo.2018.177

Dr. Gabriela Dogaru

Primary Doctor Recovery, Physical Medicine and Balneology Cluj Napoca

Vice-President of the Romanian Association of Balneology

Andreea-Sabina Scripcă

PhD student Faculty of Geography UBB Cluj Napoca