Physical therapy and quality of life: design and results of a study on hydrotherapy

Author(s): BÜHRING, M.

Abstract: We proposed to use physical therapy in addition to the well-known physiological effects influencing the emotional state. 24 patients allocated to our department, suffering from chronic cardiac, rheumatic, and metabolic diseases, as well as functional disorders, received a cold-wet sheet pack on the trunk. The control group received a dry sheet pack, undergoing exactly the same procedure, but without the stimulus of hydrotherapy. We focused on the change of acute mental state in both groups. We used two questionnaires which had been evaluated by the Psychiatric Information System of D. v. Zerssen in Munich. Our results showed significant differences in the outcome of both applications: the mental well-being was affected positively in 18 patients during the real treatment, compared with 9 in the control group. (Wilcoxon matchedpairs signed-ranks text 2 p< 0.0025). The interpretation shows a clear trend towards a better mental balance after experiencing the stimulus of hydrotherapy.

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