Work

Evidence-based balneotherapy in Hungary. Updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the Hungarian clinical trials

Year: 2026

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: In 2014 the authors published a review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of balneotherapy in Hungary based on articles by Hungarian authors issued until 2012. Now they prepared a new review and meta-analysis based on the updated database of the Hungarian articles published after 2012. A total of 18 articles were included in the new meta-analysis; with a subset having been previously incorporated in the earlier analyses. In such a way the results became more convincing. Regarding the updated systematic review (period: 2012–2025), the number of papers was 14. Regarding the meta-analysis (period: 1989–2025), the number of papers was 18 (8 + 10 = 18). The meta-analysis showed a significant reduction of pain at rest and pain on load evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score and of the quality of life evaluated by the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) questionnaire and indexed by the EQ-VAS and the EQ-5D index. Even accounting for the heterogeneity of the studies, which is a source of bias, based on the results we can say the Hungarian studies’ results are promising regarding the positive effect of balneotherapy, especially in the treatment of degenerative locomotor diseases.

Source: International Journal of Biometeorology

DOI: 10.1007/s00484-025-03102-3

Authors: Tamas Bender, Katalin Hodosi, Ildikó Katalin Tefner

Institution: University of Debrecen

Language: English

Topic: Therapeutic Uses of Natural Elements

Subfield: Complementary and Manual Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,890