This prospective observational study aims to evaluate changes in heart function using echocardiography before and after a standardized balneotherapy program in adult and elderly patients with osteoarthritis.

Balneotherapy is commonly used by patients with osteoarthritis, especially in older age groups, who may also have known or unrecognized cardiovascular conditions. For this reason, heart function is evaluated using transthoracic echocardiography prior to the start of balneotherapy and again after completion of the treatment program.

The study focuses on changes in echocardiographic parameters related to left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. By comparing measurements obtained before and after balneotherapy, this study seeks to improve understanding of the potential effects of balneotherapy on cardiac function in patients with osteoarthritis.

Balneotherapy is frequently preferred by adult and elderly patients with osteoarthritis as part of rehabilitation programs. This population may have a higher prevalence of overt or subclinical cardiovascular disease; therefore, cardiovascular evaluation before and after balneotherapy may be clinically relevant.

In this prospective observational study, patients with osteoarthritis who are scheduled to undergo a standardized balneotherapy program are evaluated using transthoracic echocardiography prior to treatment initiation and again after completion of the program. Echocardiographic examinations are performed to assess parameters related to left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, as well as aortic hemodynamics.

The balneotherapy program consists of head-out immersion in thermal pools with acratothermal water at a temperature of approximately 38 °C, applied for 20 minutes per session, 5 days per week, over a 15-day period. Echocardiographic measurements obtained before and after the intervention are compared to evaluate potential changes in cardiac function associated with balneotherapy.

Inclusion Criterias:

• Having balneotherapy sessions 5 days a week for total of three weeks
• Having detailed echocardiography records

Exclusion Criterias:

• Having history of major surgery,
• cerebrovascular accident,
• malignancy,
• liver or renal failure,
• immunodeficiency,
• acute/chronic infection,
• psychiatric disorders were exluded.

The study population consists of adult and elderly patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis who are scheduled to undergo a standardized balneotherapy program at a tertiary care rehabilitation hospital. Eligible participants undergo transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation before initiation of balneotherapy and again after completion of the treatment program in order to assess potential changes in cardiac function.

Research data will be available upon request from author

(Taner Dandinoglu MD. e-mail: dandinoglu@gmail.com)