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Hydrotherapy for varicose veins: a randomized, controlled trial
Ernst E, Saradeth T, Resch KL
Phlebology 1992 Dec;7(4):154-157
clinical trial
6/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: Yes; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of regular hydrotherapy in primary varicose veins. DESIGN: Randomized, single blind, prospective, controlled trial. SETTING: Social security system related rehabilitation center for employees (nationwide assignment of inpatients). PATIENTS: 122 patients with primary varicose veins. INTERVENTIONS: Group A (n = 60) received daily treatments during 24 days that consisted of external application of alternating cold and warm water to both lower extremities. Group B (n = 62) served as controls and was not treated with hydrotherapy. Both groups were comparable in terms of concomitant diseases and treatments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Foot volume, ankle circumference and venous re-fill time, using light reflex rheography, served as objective variables, while a number of typical symptoms were recorded as subjective parameters. RESULTS: A more pronounced improvement in all objective signs in group A compared to group B was observed. Four out of seven subjective symptoms improved more frequently in group A than in B. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrotherapy is effective in treating primary varicose veins. It can be considered as an adjunct measure to compression therapy and other conservative treatments.

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