Knee Osteoarthritis and Thermal Spa Treatment
This research study aims to find out if thermal spa treatment at Enghien-les-Bains can help people aged 50 to 80 who have knee osteoarthritis. Specifically, it's looking at whether the spa treatment significantly reduces pain and improves their ability to move and do daily activities over a six-month period. The study will compare patients receiving spa treatment with those getting standard care for knee osteoarthritis, using information from a past study. Participants will have spa sessions and continue their usual medical care, completing questionnaires and having check-ups at different stages to track their progress and experiences.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is designed to see if a special spa treatment at Enghien-les-Bains can really make a difference for people living with knee osteoarthritis. If you have this condition, you know it can cause pain and make everyday tasks difficult. The researchers want to understand if these spa sessions can genuinely lead to a noticeable improvement in how much pain you feel and how well you can move.
The main goal is to check if the spa treatment helps more than just the usual care you might receive for knee osteoarthritis. They'll be looking to see if, after six months, people who had the spa treatment feel better and can do more than those who only had standard care. To answer this, they'll compare the results of people in this study with information from an earlier study involving people who only received standard care.
Beyond simply measuring pain and movement, the study also includes a closer look at what it's like to go through the spa treatment. Researchers will talk to some participants about their experiences, including what helped, what was challenging, and how the treatment fit into their lives. This helps them understand why the treatment might work and how best to offer it in the future.
Key takeaways
- A study investigating spa treatment for knee osteoarthritis.
- Aims to reduce pain and improve movement over six months.
- Compares spa treatment to standard care for knee pain.
- Participants are aged 50-80 with diagnosed knee osteoarthritis.
- Involves a 20-day spa treatment and follow-up for six months.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for people between 50 and 80 years old who have knee osteoarthritis. To be considered, your knee X-rays must show a certain level of osteoarthritis, and you need to be experiencing a noticeable amount of difficulty with daily activities due to your knee pain.
However, some conditions might mean you can't take part. This includes if you have other long-term pain conditions not caused by osteoarthritis, or certain health issues that make spa treatments unsuitable, like serious heart problems or active infections. You also can't have had knee surgery planned soon, or recent specific treatments like steroid injections or other spa treatments.
Finally, you need to live within 30 kilometres of Enghien-les-Bains during the spa treatment period, be able to understand French, and commit to attending all study appointments. Women who could become pregnant must be using effective contraception.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 50 and 80 years old?
- Do you have knee osteoarthritis confirmed by an X-ray in the last 3 years?
- Do you experience significant difficulty with daily tasks because of your knee pain?
- Can you commit to attending appointments near Enghien-les-Bains?
- Do you not have any other major health issues that would prevent spa treatment?
- Have you avoided recent knee injections or other spa treatments?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll have three main medical appointments with the research team: one before your spa treatment starts, one at the end of the treatment, and a final check-up six months after starting the treatment. These visits will involve answering questions about your pain, how you're moving, and your general well-being.
You will undergo a 20-day thermal spa treatment at Enghien-les-Bains. During this time, the care you receive and any unexpected events will be recorded. You'll continue with your usual medical care for your knee osteoarthritis throughout the study. You'll complete several questionnaires at the start, at the end of the spa treatment, and again after three and six months. The entire study participation, from your first visit to your final check-up, will last for six months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Thermes d'Enghien-les-BainsVerified postcodeEnghien-les-Bains, France· Recruiting
- Thermes d'Enghien-les-BainsVerified postcodeEnghien-les-Bains, France· Not yet recruiting
Common questions
What is knee osteoarthritis?
It's a common condition where the cartilage in your knee joint wears down over time, causing pain, stiffness, and sometimes swelling.
What is a 'thermal spa treatment'?
It involves using mineral-rich thermal waters for various therapies, such as baths, hydrotherapy jets, or massages, often thought to help with pain and relaxation.
Will I have to stop my usual knee pain medication?
No, you will continue with your regular medical care for knee osteoarthritis throughout the study.
How long does the spa treatment itself last?
The thermal spa treatment period is 20 days.
What does a 'clinically meaningful improvement' mean?
It means the improvement in your pain and ability to move is significant enough to make a real difference to your daily life, not just a small change measured by doctors.
How to find out more
Christine Juhel, Ph.D
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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