Background: Analysis of the health profile of participants aged over 65 has been initiated in balneotherapy.
Aims: To determine the benefits of a 3-week outpatient balneotherapy program on patient-reported outcomes.
Methods: Our sample consisted of 1471 people. The average age of the study population was 72.5 years (± 5.1) and 67% of the participants were females. Symptoms intensity was measured by visual analogue scale, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) with the EQ5D questionnaire before and after the program. Changes of perceived functional status were rated using a 3-point Likert scale.
Results: The results indicated a significant increase in the fear of falling and a decrease in fatigue. EQ5D reveals a significant improvement after the program. The perceived change scores remained stable, except for anxiety/depression.
Conclusions: The study indicated significant improvements of HRQL and a decrease of perception of fatigue and anxiety in elderly people participants in a 3-week balneological programme.
Keywords: Balneotherapy programme; Intervention study; Patient-reported outcomes; Perceived change; Quality of life.