Improvements in pain, morning stiffness (MS), fatigue, and physical function with naphthalanotherapy in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is demonstrated in a recent study published in Acta Dermatovenerologica Croatica.
“The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the duration of NT combined with an individually adjusted rehabilitation program (IARP) on pain, MS, fatigue, and physical function in patients with PsA,” explained the study authors.
Researchers grouped a total of 29 patients with PsA into two groups. Group 1 participated in a 2-week intervention program and group 2 participated in a 3-week program. In both groups, pain (using the Visual Analogue Scale [VAS]), fatigue (VAS and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue [FACIT-F]), duration of MS (minutes), and physical function (Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ]) were assessed before and after therapy.
Results showed a significant improvement in AS-pain, VAS-fatigue, MS, HAQ, and FACIT-F before vs after therapy. A significant difference in length of therapy was reached only in FACIT-F. The 2- and 3-week NT combined with IARP are equal in improving physical function, but the 3-week program reduced fatigue.
Reference
Špoljarić Carević S, Car J, Čota S, Delimar V, Perić P, Laktašić-Žerjavić N. Influence of non-pharmacological treatment on pain, morning stiffness, fatigue, and physical function in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2020;28(3):148-153.
