International journal of biometeorology
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In Turkey, spas are widely used and preferred by patients who are seeking relief from their disability and pain. The spa therapy program is partly reimbursed by the national health insurance system. The objective of the present study was to leverage Google Trends to elucidate the public interest in spas in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ Public interest in spas showed an initial sharp decline between mid-March and May, with a moderate increase during the June-August period. This finding might be indicative of public preference in undertaking spa therapy during the COVID-19 period. In Turkey, spas might be used to increase places providing rehabilitation for both non-COVID-19 patients and survivors of COVID-19 with long-term symptoms during the pandemic.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Evidence for the therapeutic effect of the organic content in Szigetvár thermal water on osteoarthritis: a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial.
The therapeutic effects of mineral waters have been attributed to the inorganic components alone; however, biologically active organic components are also present. We aimed to investigate whether the healing effect of Szigetvár thermal mineral water could relate to the organic matter in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the hips and the knees. XAD macroreticular resins were used to prepare the organic fraction. ⋯ Seventy-four patients (age 67.3 ± 4.48 years) were enrolled: tap water n = 24, mineral water n = 26, and organic fraction n = 24. Treatment with the redissolved organic fraction significantly improved ROM, WOMAC, and SF-36 scores compared to the tap water. Our clinical trial provided evidence for the beneficial health effects of the organic fraction of Szigetvár medicinal water.