Influence of Tskaltubo Low-Radon Nitrogen Mineral Baths on Erythrocyte Biophysical Parameters and Microcirculation in Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Clinical Study

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19076785

Keywords:

Osteoarthritis, Low-radon mineral baths, Erythrocyte rheology, Electrokinetic potential, Ultrasonic resistance, Microcirculation, Balneotherapy

Abstract

Background:
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is increasingly recognized as a multifactorial disease involving inflammatory, metabolic, biomechanical, and microvascular mechanisms [1–4]. Emerging evidence suggests that hemorheological disturbances, including impaired erythrocyte membrane stability and increased aggregation, may contribute to tissue hypoxia and disease progression [8–10].

Objective:
To evaluate changes in erythrocyte biophysical parameters in patients with osteoarthritis undergoing a standardized course of Tskaltubo low-radon nitrogen mineral baths and to explore their potential role in improving microcirculatory function during rehabilitation.

Methods:
This prospective observational clinical study included 165 patients with radiographically confirmed osteoarthritis (Kellgren–Lawrence stages I–IV; mean age 58.4 ± 6.7 years). Participants underwent 22–25 flow-through isothermal mineral baths (34–35 °C; 20 minutes per session). Erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, ultrasonic resistance time (T), electrokinetic potential (EKP), and aggregation activity (AAE) were measured before and after treatment. Ten age-matched healthy individuals served as controls. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and effect size estimation with 95% confidence intervals.

Results:
At baseline, OA patients demonstrated reduced ultrasonic resistance (mean difference −2.4 min; 95% CI −3.6 to −1.2; p = 0.021), decreased electrokinetic potential (mean difference −3.1 mV; 95% CI −4.9 to −1.2; p = 0.008), and increased aggregation activity (mean difference +5.4%; 95% CI 2.1–8.7; p = 0.012) compared with controls. Following treatment, electrokinetic potential increased significantly (mean difference 2.3 mV; 95% CI 0.8–3.8; p = 0.006), corresponding to an 18.4% relative increase. Ultrasonic resistance increased by 14.7% (p = 0.011), and aggregation activity decreased by 16.2% (p = 0.004). Improvements were more pronounced in patients with synovitis. Changes in electrokinetic potential correlated with pain reduction (r = 0.42; p = 0.018).

Conclusion:
Tskaltubo low-radon nitrogen mineral baths were associated with improvements in erythrocyte biophysical parameters in osteoarthritis. These findings suggest that modulation of erythrocyte rheology may represent a clinically relevant physiological pathway contributing to improved microcirculatory function and rehabilitation outcomes. Further randomized controlled studies incorporating molecular biomarkers and long-term follow-up are warranted.

Keywords:
Osteoarthritis; Balneotherapy; Radon therapy; Erythrocyte rheology; Microcirculation; Hemorheology; Rehabilitation

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Cover image for Volume 1, Issue 1 (2026) of the Georgian Medical Journal, titled “A New Voice in Georgian Medicine.” The design features a modern medical visual emphasizing clinical quality, patient safety, and evidence-based healthcare.

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Published

03/17/2026

How to Cite

Shavianidze, G., Shavianidze, M., & Lomidze, G. (2026). Influence of Tskaltubo Low-Radon Nitrogen Mineral Baths on Erythrocyte Biophysical Parameters and Microcirculation in Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Clinical Study. Georgian Medical Journal, 1(1), 99–114. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19076785

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Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): A new voice in Georgian medicine

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Original Research

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Copyright (c) 2026 Giorgi Shavianidze, Marina Shavianidze, Giorgi Lomidze

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