Effect of 3 Weeks of Balneotherapy on Immunological Parameters, Trace Metal Elements and Mood States in Pilots

Abstract

Abstract.[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of balneotherapy on immunological parameters, trace metal elements and mood states in pilots.[Subjects] Thirty-six healthy male pilots were enrolled into this study.[Methods] All subjects received therapy for 3 weeks. They took entire-body immersion baths in thermomineral water for 30 min a day for 3 weeks. Blood samples were taken 1 day before and after the balneotherapy treatment. Blood concentrations of trace metal elements were measured using a BH5100 atomic absorption spectrometer. Blood serum concentrations of immunoglobulins and complements were measured with an automatic biochemical analyzer. The Profile of Mood States test was conducted to determine changes in mood states. [Results] After 3 weeks of balneotherapy, the concentrations of immunoglobulin A and complement component 4 increased significantly and the blood concentration of lead significantly decreased. The mood scores of tension-anxiety, anger-hostility, fatigue-inertia and confusion-bewilderment decreased. The mood score of vigor-activity significantly rose.[Conclusion] The findings indicate that balneotherapy over a 3-week period may exert a beneficial influence on the immune system and play an assistive role in improving the mood states of pilots.

Effect of a 12‐day balneotherapy programme on pain, mood, sleep, and depression in healthy elderly people

“…21,38 Xu et al also concluded that balneotherapy with mineral water provided psychological benefits, such as improved relaxation and relief from sleep disorders and chronic pain disorders, in pilots with mood states. 20 Liao found that insomnia in the elderly is associated with changes in circadian body temperature rhythms, and in this sense, the manipulation of body temperature before sleep onset may improve sleep quality in the elderly. For example, a hot bath in the afternoon aids night-time sleep for healthy elderly subjects with insomnia.…”

“…demonstrated the effect of balneotherapy in localized pain reduction and improved quality of life related to health, and Xu et al . concluded that these benefits play important roles in the improvement of mood states after treatment with balneotherapy . Gonzalez et al .…”

“…Tefner et al demonstrated the effect of balneotherapy in localized pain reduction and improved quality of life related to health, 30 and Xu et al concluded that these benefits play important roles in the improvement of mood states after treatment with balneotherapy. 20 Gonzalez et al reported the positive effect of balneotherapy in depression and perceived health. 31 Dubois et al found improvements in generalized anxiety after 8 weeks of BP.…”

“…Given this information, many studies in recent years have focused on the effects of BP at the physical level . However, little information is available on the effect of this therapy on psychosocial variables or subjective feelings such as well‐being and pain relief, mood, level of depression, or quality of sleep in a healthy elderly population . Furthermore, many studies have concluded that more randomized, controlled studies are needed to obtain stronger evidence.…”

The Reduction of Distress Using Therapeutic Geothermal Water Procedures in a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

“…Venier, Larese, and Filon's studies show that metallic ions can easily permeate the skin (nickel, cobalt, and chromium) [ 33 ]. Human skin is permeable to Mg, Ca, K, Cu, Br, Rb, Ca, Fe, Pb, Cd, and Zn ions [ 34 – 37 ] and sulfates and nitrate anions [ 35 ]. Factors influencing percutaneous absorption through the skin include (1) physicochemical properties of the test compound, (2) skin properties and metabolism, (3) dose and volume of test substance, and (4) duration of exposure [ 38 ].…”