To compare the differences or correlation between the results obtained from a generic and a disease-specific instrument for the study group and to assess the short-term effects of spa therapy on quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Fifty patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly recruited. They underwent a comprehensive spa therapy program for 21 days. Forty-six patients completed the study. The results were evaluated with Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale 2 (AIMS2).
Statistically significant improvement was observed in all subscales of SF-36. All subscales of AIMS2 improved too, but only half of them were significant. Correlation between matching subscales of each test was also significant, except physical activity.
Comprehensive spa therapy seems to increase the quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis for short term.