Effects of Sulfur Water and Mud Therapy on Serotonin Activity and Biochemical Parameters in Patients' Osteoarthrosis

Sulfur baths and mud packs are known to have a positive effect in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). OA is a chronic degenerative disease accompanied by a constant pain that often leads to changes in the mood of patients. Over the last few decades, numerous articles reported various beneficial effects of sulfur water and peloid therapeutic applications. Serotonin is one of the important neurotransmitters that have numerous functions such as regulation of body temperature, sleep, appetite, while its main function is reflected in controling of depression.

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of sulfur bath and mud therapy on serotonin levels and other biochemical parameters in the blood of the OA patients, as well as whether the application of exercise in water effects the results we receive.

Randomized controlled study included patients with hip and/or knee OA both sexes, randomized into two groups. The first group patients underwent sulfur balneotherapy and mud pack therapy. Patients in the second group had sulfur balneotherapy, mud pack therapy and exercise in hygienic water. The duration of spa therapy program was 12 days. Serotonin values, parameters of complete blood count, lipid status and inflammatory markers were analyzed before and after the therapy.

This study is expected to be another contribution to existing evidence and shed light on the mechanisms of beneficial effects of balneotherapy and mud therapy and whether addition underwater exercise would have extra therapeutic effects.