Combining balneotherapy and health promotion to promote active and healthy ageing: the Balaruc-MACVIA-LR® approach

Abstract

Scaling up and replication of successful innovative integrated care models for chronic diseases is one of the targets of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA). MACVIA-LR® (MAladies Chroniques pour un VIeillissement Actif en Languedoc-Roussillon) is a Reference Site of the EIP on AHA. The main objective of MACVIA-LR® is to develop innovative solutions in order to (1) improve the care of patients affected by chronic diseases, (2) reduce avoidable hospitalization and (3) scale up the innovation to regions of Europe. The MACVIA-LR® project also aims to assess all possible aspects of medicine—including non-pharmacologic approaches—in order to maintain health and prevent chronic diseases. These approaches include hydrotherapy and balneotherapy which can be of great importance if health promotion strategies are considered. Balneotherapy at Balaruc-les-Bains focusses on musculoskeletal diseases and chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Each year, over 46,000 people attend an 18-day course related to a new falls prevention initiative combining balneotherapy and education. On arrival, each person receives a flyer providing information on the risk of fall and, depending on this risk, a course is proposed combining education and physical activity. A pilot study assesses the impact of the course 6 and 12 months later. This health promotion strategy for active and healthy ageing follows the FEMTEC (World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy) concept.

Fi̇zi̇k Tedavi̇ Uygulanan Kroni̇k Bel Ağrili Yaşlilarda Balneoterapi̇ni̇n Tedavi̇ye Etki̇si̇: Pi̇lot Çalişma

“…It is important to improve the quality of life and develop strategies related to healthy aging during the aging period. In the management of chronic diseases supported by Active And Healthy Ageing, complementary and nonpharmacological treatments are gaining importance (12).…”

Use of mineral waters in the treatment of psoriasis: Perspectives of Persian and conventional medicine

“…Also, mineral water sources enhance the quality of life in patients (Ablin et al, ; Bacle, Meges, Lauze, Macleod, & Dupuy, ; Barut, Erdogan, & Basak, ; Boros et al, ; Cattaneo et al, ; Cheesbrough, ). World Health Organization recommends a system that has evidence‐based effects on various body systems to treat psoriasis (Blain et al, ). Balneotherapy has been used in Europe for arthritis and psoriatic patients for many years (Duvic, ).…”

“…1992). World Health Organization recommends a system that has evidence-based effects on various body systems to treat psoriasis (Blain et al, 2016). Balneotherapy has been used in Europe for arthritis and psoriatic patients for many years (Duvic, 1986).…”

Geothermal water for health state improvement: randomised controlled study

“…The essence of balneotherapy effects is local changes caused by the direct influence of mechanical, thermal, and chemical factors through the skin and mucous membranes and the complex adjustment reactions as a result of neuroreflexive, humoral mechanisms, caused by stimulation of mechano-, thermo-, baro-, and chemoreceptors by biochemically active substances during a balneoprocedure (4). Balneotherapy has a scientific evidence-based effect on various systems of the body for a wide variety of theseverity of a disease and in subjects without major impairment: it promotes active and healthy aging,improves immunity, impactspain, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, skin, mental health problems and quality of life (5)(6)(7)(8). However, balneotherapy for psychosomatic conditions are still poorly investigated and there is still a lack of clear conclusion about its role in the disease prevention and treatment on what medicine of the 21st centurysuch rely as much as possible (9).…”