Title : Investigating the impact of exposure duration on rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing traditional siwan therapy
Abstract:
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects joints and other parts of the body. Sand therapy, a traditional treatment, is commonly used for RA, chronic pain, skin conditions, and musculoskeletal disorders. Siwa in Egypt is well-known for its use of sand therapy. Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of exposure time to Siwan traditional therapy on central sensitization, pain severity, pain threshold, and kinesiophobia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Central Sensory Inventory (CSI), visual analogue scale, pressure algometer, and TAMPA kinesiophobia scale were used as measurement tools.Methods: A total of 24 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were enrolled from Siwan healing centers. They were randomly assigned to two groups (GI and GII), with each group receiving Siwan traditional therapy for either three or five days. Results: The results showed a significant improvement in CSI scores in Group GII (P=0.038) after treatment. Both groups exhibited significant improvement in kinesiophobia scores (P=0.004 and P=0.014, respectively). Pain severity and pain threshold also improved significantly in Group GII, as well as in various joint sites. Group GI had significant improvements in pain severity and the most painful joint (P=0.010 and P=0.035, respectively) after treatment. Conclusion: The study observed positive changes in kinesiophobia, pain severity, and pain threshold in the most painful joint after three and five days of Siwan traditional therapy. Although there were no significant differences between the two groups, both groups showed improvements in all measured parameters after five days of treatment. This suggests the need for further investigation into the long-term effects of this therapy.
Audience Take Away:
- The research aims to document and gain a better understanding of the Siwan traditional method of treatment.
- This can contribute to the knowledge and recognition of Siwan therapy as a viable alternative for RA patients in Egypt, considering the limitations in financial resources.
- This research can be used by that faculty members to expand their research especially regarding the different factors affecting the treatment protocols followed in the Siwa and their outcomes.
- The current study is a starting point for a future cohort study to investigate the effect of such therapy.
- This helps determine whether the number of treatment sessions is a variable affecting treatment outcomes. The future study will also explore whether the number of treatment sessions has any significant influence on the overall treatment results.
