抄録
Objective—To determine whether bathing in thermal spring water acutely affects venous function in patients with venous insufficiency.
Design—Standardised measurements of venous function in patients with leg varicosities and healthy subjects (controls) before and after a standardised thermal bath and exercise on two consecutive days, with subsequent application of a cold stimulus on one day.
Subjects—28 patients with varicose veins in one or both legs (N=45) and 30 controls without relevant venous disorders (N=60).
Interventions—On two consecutive days all subjects underwent a standardised bathing and exercise procedure in mineral spring water at 34°C for 20min. On one day, determined randomly for each subject, a standardised cold stimulus was applied to both lower legs immediately after bathing. On both days measurements were before subjects entered the bath (basal level) and after rest after the completion of bathing (including cold stimulus on one day).
Results—Without the cold stimulus venous function of patients and controls did not change. After application of the cold stimulus the venous capacity of both patients (p<0.001) and controls (p<0.05) was significantly reduced compared with the basal levels. While there was no change in maximum venous outflow in the controls, that of the patient group decreased slightly (p<0.001) compared with basal levels.
Conclusions—Contrary to widespread medical belief, bathing in mineral spring water at temperatures above 28°C does not adversely affect venous function in patients with varicose veins or individuals without them. When applied in moderation (34°C for 20min) this physical therapy should not be regarded as contraindicated in this and related conditions, especially given its known hemodynamic benefits. Further studies are required to determine the long-term benefits of repeated bath therapy.
