Prospective Cohort Study Evaluating a Thermal Spa Programme in Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a common cause of pain, functional limitation, and reduced quality of life in older adults. Thermal spa treatment is widely used as a non-pharmacological intervention for the management of osteoarthritis symptoms, but its effects on joint movement and motor control remain insufficiently characterized using objective biomechanical measures. This study evaluates the effects of a 3-week thermal spa treatment on knee joint movement in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Knee movement fluidity and gait parameters will be analyzed during standardized tasks using wearable inertial sensors (Xsens). Secondary outcomes include changes in pain, physical function, physical activity, quality of life, and blood transcriptomic profiles. Assessments will be performed at baseline, after treatment, and at 3- and 12-month follow-up visits. In addition, blood samples will be collected before and after the intervention to explore transcriptomic changes associated with the treatment. This project proposes a combination of innovative kinematic and biological biomarkers with the aim of objectively describing the benefits of spa therapy for people with knee osteoarthritis.