A woman having her bones examined by a doctor

Study on balneotherapy and aqua aerobics for the bones

Xiaoling Lv et al.

June 2021

Healing & thermal therapy

Osteoporosis / Bones

The aim of this study under Xiaoling Lv et al. was to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of balneotherapy and/or aqua aerobics on bone metabolism.

A systematic literature searchwas conducted from the beginning of the databases until January 4, 2021. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a fixed-effect model according to the heterogeneity of the studies.

Seven studies with a total of 467 participants were selected. Three studies on balneotherapy were analyzed qualitatively. The results showed that bone resorption was slowed down , with or without simultaneous stimulation of bone formation. A pooled meta-analysis of four studies on aqua aerobics showed significant evidence of a reduction in parathyroid hormone and a significant increase in osteocalcin after aqua aerobics.

Balneotherapy and aqua aerobics had significant effects on bone metabolism by reducing bone resorption and/or promoting bone formation. This study underlines the importance of balneotherapy and aqua aerobics for bone health.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Bone diseases
Institution: Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Geriatrics, Department of Geriatrics, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, 310013, China
Title: Study on balneotherapy and aqua aerobics for the bones
Brief description: The study shows that balneotherapy and aqua aerobics promote bone health by reducing bone resorption.
Original title: The effectiveness of balneotherapy and aquatic exercise on bone metabolism: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34167042/