Comparing the Efficacy of Mature Mud-Pack and Hot-Pack Treatments for Knee Osteoarthritis
rct Grade B 2012 n=27
Authors: Sarsan, A., Akkaya, N., Özgen, M., Yildiz, N., Atalay, N.S., Ardic, F.
Journal: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation 25 (3) : 193-199
Key Findings
- Prospective, randomized, single-blinded trial: 27 knee osteoarthritis patients, mature mud pack (n=15) vs. hot pack (n=12) — a matched thermal-only control
- Mud pack group showed significant improvement in pain and in WOMAC pain/stiffness/physical-function scores
- Between-group difference favored the mud pack for pain and physical-activity domains at post-treatment
- 6-minute walking distance was significantly better in the mud pack group, with the advantage sustained through 3- and 6-month follow-up
A head-to-head trial designed specifically to separate mud pack therapy’s chemical/mineral contribution from heat alone, by comparing a mature mud pack against a hot pack matched for temperature. The mud pack group did significantly better on pain, physical function, and walking distance, with the walking-distance advantage still holding at six months — direct evidence that mud’s benefit exceeds what heat delivers by itself. The mud’s mineral source is not specified as peat, so this is read as corroborating evidence for the broader thermal-vs-chemical question rather than peat-specific proof. Abstract-only sourcing; no full text was located.
rctmud-packhot-packknee-osteoarthritisjoint-inflammationthermal-vs-chemical