Balneotherapy, immune system, and stress response: A hormetic strategy?

La balneoterapia es un enfoque complementario clínicamente eficaz en el tratamiento de patologías de bajo grado de inflamación y relacionadas con el estrés. Los mecanismos biológicos por los que la inmersión en agua mineromedicinal y la aplicación de lodo alivian los síntomas de varias patologías aún no se comprenden completamente, pero se sabe que las respuestas neuroendocrinas e inmunológicas -incluyendo tanto la inmunidad humoral como la inmunidad celular- a la balneoterapia están implicadas en estos mecanismos de eficacia; dando lugar a efectos antiinflamatorios, analgésicos, antioxidantes, condroprotectores y anabólicos junto con la regulación neuroendocrino-inmune en diferentes condiciones. La hormesis puede desempeñar un papel fundamental en todos estos efectos biológicos y mecanismos de eficacia. Los efectos herméticos de la balneoterapia pueden relacionarse con factores no específicos como el calor -que induce la respuesta al choque térmico y, por lo tanto, la síntesis y la relateración de las proteínas de choque térmico- y también con componentes bioquímicos específicos como el sulfuro de hidrógeno (H2S) en el agua sulfurosa y el radón en el agua radiactiva. Los resultados de varias investigaciones sugieren que los efectos beneficiosos de la balneoterapia y la hidroterapia son coherentes con el concepto de hormesis y, por lo tanto, respaldan la función de la hormesis en los tratamientos hidrotérmicos.Balneotherapy is a clinically effective complementary approach in the treatment of low-grade inflammation- and stress-related pathologies. The biological mechanisms by which immersion in mineral-medicinal water and the application of mud alleviate symptoms of several pathologies are still not completely understood, but it is known that neuroendocrine and immunological responses—including both humoral and cell-mediated immunity—to balneotherapy are involved in these mechanisms of effectiveness; leading to anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, chondroprotective, and anabolic effects together with neuroendocrine-immune regulation in different conditions. Hormesis can play a critical role in all these biological effects and mechanisms of effectiveness. The hormetic effects of balneotherapy can be related to non-specific factors such as heat—which induces the heat shock response, and therefore the synthesis and reléase of heat shock proteins—and also to specific biochemical components such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in sulfurous water and radon in radioactive water. Results from several investigations suggest that the beneficial effects of balneotherapy and hydrotherapy are consistent with the concept of hormesis, and thus support a role for hormesis in hydrothermal treatments.• Gobierno de Extremadura y Fondos FEDER. Beca GR 15041 • Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte. Contrato predoctoral FPU15/02395, para Isabel Gálvez GalánpeerReviewe

Efeitos da aplicação de massagem terapêutica em crianças com câncer: uma revisão sistemática

Objective: to learn about the effects of the use of therapeutic massage in children with cancer. Method: systematic review of controlled clinical trials The search was conducted in November 2014 in the following databases: Pubmed, CSIC, Dialnet, Scopus, Cochrane and PEDro. Inclusion criteria were: clinical trials, published in English or Spanish, analyzing the effects of massage on the different stages and types of childhood cancer (between 1 and 18 years old). Results: of 1007 articles found, 7 met the inclusion criteria. Their authors use different massage techniques (Swedish massage, effleurage, petrissage, frictions, pressures), obtaining benefits in the symptoms present during the illness (decrease of pain, nausea, stress, anxiety and increase of white blood cells and neutrophils). Conclusion: therapeutic massage improves the symptoms of children with cancer, but there is a need for more research that may support the effects attributed to it.Objetivo: conhecer os efeitos do uso da massagem terapêutica em crianças com câncer. Método: revisão sistemática de ensaios clínicos controlados. A pesquisa foi realizada em novembro de 2014 em bases de dados científicas: Pubmed, CSIC, Dialnet, Scopus, Cochrane and PEDro. Os critérios de inclusão foram: ensaios clínicos, publicados em inglês ou espanhol, analisando os efeitos da massagem nas diferentes fases e tipos de câncer infantil (entre 1 e 18 anos). Resultados: de 1007 artigos encontrados, 7 preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Os autores utilizam diferentes técnicas de massagem (massagem sueca, effleurage, petrissage, fricções, pressões), obtendo benefícios nos sintomas presentes durante a doença (diminuição da dor, náusea, estresse, ansiedade e aumento de glóbulos brancos e neutrófilos). Conclusão: a massagem terapêutica melhora os sintomas das crianças com câncer, mas são necessárias mais pesquisas que apoiem os efeitos atribuídos a ela.Objetivo: conocer los efectos del uso del masaje terapéutico en niños con cáncer. Método: revisión sistemática de ensayos clínicos controlados la búsqueda se llevó a cabo en noviembre de 2014 en las bases de datos científicas: Pubmed, CSIC, Dialnet, Scopus, Cochrane y PEDro. Los criterios de inclusión han sido: ensayos clínicos, publicados en inglés o español, en los que se analizaran los efectos del masaje en las diferentes etapas y tipos de cáncer infantil (entre 1 y 18 años). Resultados: de 1007 artículos localizados, 7 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Sus autores utilizan diferentes técnicas de masaje (masaje sueco, effleurage, petrissage, fricciones, presiones), obteniendo beneficios en los síntomas presentes durante la enfermedad (disminución del dolor, náuseas, estrés, ansiedad y aumento de glóbulos blancos y neutrófilos). Conclusión: el masaje terapéutico mejora los síntomas de los niños con cáncer, que respalden los efectos que se le atribuyen

Peloids as thermotherapeutic agents

The use of peloids as heat-providing therapeutic systems dates back to antiquity. Such systems consist of a liquid phase and an organic or inorganic solid phase. The latter facilitates the handling, preparation and stability of the solid–liquid system, modifying its organoleptic and physicochemical properties, and improves its efficacy and tolerance. Peloids enable the application of heat to very specific zones and the release of heat at a given rate. The aims of this work are to study 16 reference peloids used in medical spa centers as thermo-therapeutic agents as well as to propose nine raw materials as a solid phase for the preparation of peloids. The physical properties studied are the centesimal composition, the instrumental texture and the thermal parameters. In conclusion, the peloids of the medical spas studied are used as thermotherapeutic agents in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, especially in knee osteoarthritis and to a lesser extent in back pain and psoriatic arthropathy. The clinical experience in these centers shows that the main effects of the application of their peloids are the reduction of pain, an increase in the joint’s functional capacity and an improvement in the quality of life. As thermotherapeutic agents, all the peloids of the medical spas studied and the pastes (raw materials with distilled water) examined showed a heat flow rate of up to four times lower than that shown by the same amount of water. The raw materials studied can be used as solid phases for the preparation of peloids with mineral waters.This study was financed by the research group UCM-911757 (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Medical Hydrolog

Innate/inflammatory bioregulation and clinical effectiveness of whole-body hyperthermia (balneotherapy) in elderly patients with osteoarthritis

OBJETIVOS: La balneoterapia con aplicación de barro (fangoterapia) es una intervención hidrotermal habitual para el tratamiento y rehabilitación de pacientes ancianos con artrosis, que produce efectos antiinflamatorios. El objetivo principal de esta investigación fue estudiar el papel de las células T reguladoras en estos efectos antiinflamatorios. El segundo objetivo fue evaluar si la respuesta innata mediada por neutrófilos se ve afectada por estos efectos antiinflamatorios. MÉTODOS: Treinta y seis pacientes de edad avanzada con osteoartritis de rodilla se sometieron a un ciclo de 10 días de balneoterapia en un centro de spa. Recibieron sesiones diarias de fangoterapia de cuerpo entero a 40-42 ºC, utilizando agua mineromedicinal y barro. Se evaluaron las concentraciones séricas de IL-8 y TGF-b, el porcentaje de células T reguladoras CD4þ CD25þ FOXP3þ y CD8þ CD28- circulantes y la capacidad fagocítica de los neutrófilos al inicio y al final de la intervención. Las evaluaciones clínicas incluyeron el ángulo de flexión y extensión de la rodilla, el dolor, la rigidez, la función física y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud. RESULTADOS: Todos los resultados clínicos mejoraron significativamente. Las concentraciones circulantes de IL-8 y TGF-b disminuyeron, lo que se correlacionó con la disminución del dolor y la mejora de la flexión de la rodilla, respectivamente. El porcentaje de células T reguladoras CD4þ disminuyó, mientras que las células T reguladoras CD8þ aumentaron. La capacidad funcional de los neutrófilos aumentó. CONCLUSIONES: La balneoterapia con aplicación de barro fue eficaz en el tratamiento de los síntomas de la artrosis. El efecto antiinflamatorio mediado por las citocinas contribuyó a la mejora del dolor y la función articular; y los cambios en el porcentaje circulante de células T reguladoras parecen estar implicados en los efectos antiinflamatorios. La mejora de la función de los neutrófilos tras el tratamiento con barro refleja un efecto biorregulador óptimo sobre las respuestas inflamatorias e innatas.OBJECTIVES: Balneotherapy with mud application (mud therapy) is a common hydrothermal intervention for the treatment and rehabilitation of elderly patients with osteoarthritis, leading to anti-inflammatory effects. The main purpose of this investigation was to study a role for regulatory T cells in these anti-inflammatory effects. The second objective was to assess whether the neutrophil-mediated innate response is affected by these anti-inflammatory effects. METHODS: Thirty-six elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis underwent a 10-day cycle of balneotherapy at a spa center. They received daily sessions of whole-body mud therapy at 40–42 ºC, using mineral-medicinal water and mud. IL-8 and TGF-b serum concentrations, percentage of circulating CD4þ CD25þ FOXP3þ and CD8þ CD28– regulatory T cells, and neutrophil phagocytic capacity were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Clinical assessments included knee flexion and extension angle, pain, stiffness, physical function and health-related quality of life. RESULTS: All clinical outcomes significantly improved. Circulating concentrations of IL-8 and TGF-b decreased, which correlated with decreased pain and improved knee flexion, respectively. Percentage of CD4þ regulatory T cells decreased, whereas CD8þ regulatory T cells increased. Neutrophil functional capacity increased. CONCLUSIONS: Balneotherapy with mud application was effective in the management of osteoarthritis symptoms. The anti-inflammatory effect mediated by cytokines contributed to the improvement in pain and joint function; and changes in the circulating percentage of regulatory T cells seem to be involved in the anti-inflammatory effects. Improvement in neutrophil function after mud therapy reflects an optimal bioregulatory effect on the inflammatory and innate responses.• Junta de Extremadura y Fondos FEDER. Ayuda GR15041 • Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte. Proyecto FPU15/02395peerReviewe

Nuevas perspectivas en la prevención de la enfermedad cardiovascular mediante la práctica de actividad física

La actividad física se muestra eficaz en la prevención del denominado «Síndrome Metabólico» y las enfermedades cardiovasculares asociadas. Los mecanismos fisiológicos implicados en esta mejora de la salud cardiovascular son diversos; recientemente se estudia la relación de la actividad física y los mecanismos de riesgo cardiovascular como el estrés oxidativo o los procesos inflamatorios asociados a la obesidad. En base a los resultados estudiados se puede afirmar que la actividad física moderada resulta útil para disminuir la incidencia de estas enfermedades.Sin financiaciónNo data 200

A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Interventions on Pain and Range of Joint Movement Associated with Burn Injuries

Background: Burns are mild or severe lesions produced in living tissue, due to the action of different agents. This pathology is considered the third cause of accidental death in the world by the World Health Organization. Among the most disabling sequelae in these patients, pain and range of motion have the greatest impact. A recommended tool to complement the treatment or management of the symptoms associated with burns is virtual reality. Objective: The objective of this study was to analyse the effectiveness of virtual-reality therapy for pain relief and the improvement of the range of joint movement in patients who have suffered burns. Methodology: This study is a systematic review conducted following the PRISMA statements. An electronic literature search was performed in the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Dialnet, Scopus and Science Direct. The inclusion criteria were: participants with burns in any part of the body, interventions with virtual reality with or without complementary treatment, studies in both Spanish and English, and outcome measures of pain and range of motion. Results: Finally, 10 studies were included in the review. The sample consisted of one pilot study, three randomized controlled clinical trials, one prospective randomized controlled clinical trial, one control group and treatment group trial, one interventional clinical trial and three comparative studies. The most commonly used assessment tools for pain were the graphic rating scale (GRS) and for range of motion the goniometer. The use of virtual-reality games significantly reduced pain scores during physiotherapy and occupational therapy treatments as well as in nursing care. The range of motion improved significantly during virtual-reality exercises performed during a physiotherapy treatment in 33% of studies included in this review. Conclusion: The results of the studies analysed in this systematic review suggest that the use of virtual reality for the management of pain and range of movement limitations associated with burn injuries could control these symptoms and decrease their negative consequences on the person

Immunoneuroendocrine, Stress, Metabolic, and Behavioural Responses in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity

Obesity has reached global epidemic proportions, and even though its effects are well-documented, studying the interactions among all influencing factors is crucial for a better understanding of its physiopathology. In a high-fat-diet-induced obesity animal model using C57BL/6J mice, behavioural responses were assessed through a battery of tests, while stress biomarkers and systemic inflammatory cytokines were measured using an Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay and a Bio-Plex Multiplex System. The peritoneal macrophage microbicide capacity was analysed via flow cytometry, and crown-like structures (CLSs) in white adipose tissue (WAT) were evaluated through staining techniques. Results indicated that obese mice exhibited increased body weight, hyperglycaemia, and hyperlipidaemia after 18 weeks on a high-fat diet, as well as worse physical conditions, poorer coordination and balance, and anxiety-like behaviour. Differences in corticosterone and noradrenaline concentrations were also found in obese animals, revealing a stress response and noradrenergic dysregulation, along with a weakened innate immune response characterized by a lower microbicide capacity, and the presence of an underlying inflammation evidenced by more CLSs in WAT. Altogether, these findings indicate that obesity deteriorates the entire stress, inflammatory, metabolic, sensorimotor and anxiety-like behavioural axis. This demonstrates that jointly evaluating all these aspects allows for a deeper and better exploration of this disease and its associated comorbidities, emphasizing the need for individualized and context-specific strategies for its management

Benefits of Music Therapy in the Cognitive Impairments of Alzheimer’s-Type Dementia: A Systematic Review

Background/Objective: Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that can cause memory, thinking, and behaviour impairments. This type of dementia affects approximately 50 million people globally. Currently, there is no remedy for this disease, but there are different treatment approaches, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, that try to alleviate the symptoms. The remarkable fact about Alzheimer’s response to music is that musical abilities can be preserved even though language could be lost. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the benefits of music therapy on cognitive impairments in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: This is a systematic review carried out following the PRISMA guidelines. The literature searches were conducted in the following databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, and Dialnet. The inclusion criteria established were as follows: randomised controlled studies and clinical trials published in English and Spanish from 2010 to 2024, patients diagnosed with dementia of the Alzheimer’s type, aged 65 years or older, who had participated in music interventions and had cognitive changes. Results: Eleven studies were included in this review. They showed that music therapy interventions mainly improved memory, language, and orientation. The results of a methodological quality analysis showed that six of the articles had good methodological quality and four had excellent methodological quality. Conclusions: The results of this review suggest that treatment with music therapy improves cognitive impairments in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, we can be sure that music creates a link between the patient and the specialist

Effects of the application of therapeutic massage in children with cancer: a systematic review

Objetivo: conocer los efectos del uso del masaje terapéutico en niños con cáncer. Método: revisión sistemática de ensayos clínicos controlados la búsqueda se llevó a cabo en noviembre de 2014 en las bases de datos científicas: Pubmed, CSIC, Dialnet, Scopus, Cochrane y PEDro. Los criterios de inclusión han sido: ensayos clínicos, publicados en inglés o español, en los que se analizaran los efectos del masaje en las diferentes etapas y tipos de cáncer infantil (entre 1 y 18 años). Resultados: de 1007 artículos localizados, 7 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Sus autores utilizan diferentes técnicas de masaje (masaje sueco, effleurage, petrissage, fricciones, presiones), obteniendo beneficios en los síntomas presentes durante la enfermedad (disminución del dolor, náuseas, estrés, ansiedad y aumento de glóbulos blancos y neutrófilos). Conclusión: el masaje terapéutico mejora los síntomas de los niños con cáncer, que respalden los efectos que se le atribuyen.Objetivo: conhecer os efeitos do uso da massagem terapêutica em crianças com câncer. Método: revisão sistemática de ensaios clínicos controlados. A pesquisa foi realizada em novembro de 2014 em bases de dados científicas: Pubmed, CSIC, Dialnet, Scopus, Cochrane and PEDro. Os critérios de inclusão foram: ensaios clínicos, publicados em inglês ou espanhol, analisando os efeitos da massagem nas diferentes fases e tipos de câncer infantil (entre 1 e 18 anos). Resultados: de 1007 artigos encontrados, 7 preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Os autores utilizam diferentes técnicas de massagem (massagem sueca, effleurage, petrissage, fricções, pressões), obtendo benefícios nos sintomas presentes durante a doença (diminuição da dor, náusea, estresse, ansiedade e aumento de glóbulos brancos e neutrófilos). Conclusão: a massagem terapêutica melhora os sintomas das crianças com câncer, mas são necessárias mais pesquisas que apoiem os efeitos atribuídos a ela.Objective: to learn about the effects of the use of therapeutic massage in children with cancer. Method: systematic review of controlled clinical trials The search was conducted in November 2014 in the following databases: Pubmed, CSIC, Dialnet, Scopus, Cochrane and PEDro. Inclusion criteria were: clinical trials, published in English or Spanish, analyzing the effects of massage on the different stages and types of childhood cancer (between 1 and 18 years old). Results: of 1007 articles found, 7 met the inclusion criteria. Their authors use different massage techniques (Swedish massage, effleurage, petrissage, frictions, pressures), obtaining benefits in the symptoms present during the illness (decrease of pain, nausea, stress, anxiety and increase of white blood cells and neutrophils). Conclusion: therapeutic massage improves the symptoms of children with cancer, but there is a need for more research that may support the effects attributed to it