An evaluation of the effect of differing lengths of spa therapy upon patients with osteoarthritis (OA).

The use of spa therapy in Estonia commonly consists of courses up to 3-4 weeks in duration for the management of rheumatic diseases. This study sought to evaluate whether there was any difference in the alleviation of patients symptoms between 6 and 12 day courses of spa therapy in the management of osteoarthritis (OA). A total of 296 patients participated in the research.

Changes in the immune system of female sunbathers due to the effect of natural UV radiation.

Exposure to UV radiation may cause health hazards and suppress immune responses. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether recurrent suberythemal doses of natural UV radiation can have a harmful effect on the lymphocyte subpopulations of local sunbathers. Sixteen healthy local female volunteers at the age of 23 to 44 recurrently sunbathed during the summer of 2000 in the Pärnu beach area (58 degrees 22'N, 24 degrees 31'E).