Next Article in Journal
Current and Expected Trends for the Marine Chitin/Chitosan and Collagen Value Chains
Previous Article in Journal
Induction of Browning in White Adipocytes: Fucoidan Characterization and Gold Nanoparticle Synthesis from Undaria pinnatifida Sporophyll Extract
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
Journals
Marine Drugs
Volume 21
Issue 12
10.3390/md21120604
marinedrugs-logo
Submit to this Journal Review for this Journal Propose a Special Issue
► Article Menu

Article Menu

share Share announcement Help format_quote Cite question_answer Discuss in SciProfiles thumb_up
...
Endorse textsms
...
Comment
first_page
settings
Order Article Reprints
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Systematic Review

Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential and Healthcare Applications of Marine Therapy: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression

by
Sung Ryul Shim
1,
Dayeon Shin
2,
Seong-Jang Kim
3,4,
Young Kook Kim
5,6 and
Kyung Ju Lee
7,*
1
Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
2
Department of Food and Nutrition, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
3
Department of Nuclear Medicine, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
4
BioMedical Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
5
Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
6
EyeLight Data Science Laboratory, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
7
Department of Women’s Rehabilitation, National Rehabilitation Center, Seoul 01022, Republic of Korea
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Mar. Drugs 2023, 21(12), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/md21120604
Submission received: 28 August 2023 / Revised: 19 November 2023 / Accepted: 20 November 2023 / Published: 23 November 2023
Browse Figures
Versions Notes

Abstract

:
This study was conducted to estimate the effectiveness of marine-derived resources for treating specific diseases, as well as identify the most effective methods for applying such resources in therapeutic applications. Bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane) were searched from their inception until May 2023 using Medical Subject Headings terms and text keywords related to seawater, mineral water, or ocean therapy. Fifteen eligible studies were included, involving 1325 participants aged 42.7–63.0 years. In the subgroup analysis based on treatment type, the mean difference was −1.581 (95% CI: −1.889, −1.274) for seawater with sun exposure and −1.210 (95% CI: −1.417, −1.002) for seawater with sun exposure, mud pack application, and sulfur pool therapy. The pooled standardized mean difference was calculated for different outcomes; the results were −1.110 (95% CI: −3.028, 0.806) for osteoarthritis severity, −0.795 (95% CI: −0.982, −0.607) for arthritis pain, −1.623 (95% CI: −2.036, −1.209) for fibromyalgia pain, and −1.498 (95% CI: −1.888, −1.108) for quality of life. Marine therapy is, therefore, promising for treating chronic skin issues, easing musculoskeletal discomfort, and enhancing the quality of life among patients with musculoskeletal pain.

1. Introduction

Marine therapy refers to the utilization of marine-derived resources for healthcare applications. It has received attention as a potential avenue to enhance holistic physical and mental wellness, including the utilization of natural elements such as saltwater, seaweed, mud, and other organic materials.
In this current age marked by aging populations, morbidity and mortality surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing attention to individualized healthy lifestyle strategies within the framework of public health [1,2,3]. This approach seeks to alleviate mental and physical burdens, improve immunological function, and prevent chronic diseases and disabilities, ultimately leading to increased life expectancy.
Longevity or an extended lifespan leads to individuals encountering age-associated health challenges including chronic illnesses and disabilities. The World Health Organization has reported that noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)—including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease—are responsible for approximately 410 million deaths worldwide each year [4]. Certain vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems, may be more susceptible to risk factors contributing to NCDs [4,5]. Fortunately, these NCDs are preventable and manageable.
A recent review of the link between the ocean and human health highlighted growing evidence of the ocean’s impact on human wellbeing [6,7]. Utilizing marine resources—including water, mud, and other natural substances—has the potential to contribute to healthy lifestyles and may offer therapeutic advantages. Ongoing research is exploring the potential therapeutic uses of these marine-derived resources in healthcare.
The requirement for a comprehensive literature summary on marine therapy encompassing seawater therapy with sun, sulfur pools, or mud is crucial, owing to their significance as keywords for conducting meta-analyses. Research on water-related marine therapy has consistently demonstrated its efficacy and contribution to health and wellbeing; this has been substantiated by various systematic reviews. For example, aquatic exercises have been shown to effectively enhance glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes [8]. Moreover, they have shown the potential to increase fitness levels and enhance the overall quality of life (QoL) in various adult populations [9]. A distinct advantage of water-based exercise is its ability to increase intensity while minimizing stress. Peloid therapy, a form of marine therapy involving mud immersion, has demonstrated favorable outcomes in chronic arthropathy and has been associated with lower arterial blood pressure values [10]. Balneotherapy, a bath therapy in which the head is immersed in warm mineral water, improves sleep quality and alleviates mental stress and chronic skin diseases [11]. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory skin disease that can also involve joints [12]. Patients who have undergone marine therapy have reported a significant improvement in their quality of life along with a marked improvement in their physical skin condition [13,14]. Additionally, climate therapy, safe treatment alternatives, variations in humidity and air quality, and fluctuations in barometric pressure have demonstrated positive effects on chronic skin conditions, contributing to an enhanced QoL [15].
The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between oceanic environmental factors—particularly water, sunlight, and mud—and human health, with a specific emphasis on their therapeutic applications. Our research questions were as follows: What is the effectiveness of utilizing marine-derived resources to treat specific diseases? Furthermore, which methods are preferred or most effective in such applications?

2. Materials and Methods

This study adhered to the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guidelines [16]. The study protocol related to this research was registered in PROSPERO (registration number CRD42023452677).

2.1. Data Sources and Literature Searches

A thorough search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed using Medical Subject Heading terms and text keywords from the start of the databases to May 2023 (Table S1). Subject headings and text keywords were related to seawater, mineral water, or ocean therapy. The search terms were categorized using Boolean operators (e.g., AND, OR, and NOT). This search was conducted without regard to language or study type. Two independent researchers (S.R.S. and K.J.L.) supplemented the search by manually examining trial databases and reference lists to identify additional relevant studies.

2.2. Study Selection

The study inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) studies including participants with or without a specific disease; (2) studies on interventions, including seawater therapy only as well as seawater therapy with sun, sulfur pool, or mud; (3) if the study did not show a difference in effect size, we analyzed the mean difference before and after treatment; and (4) studies including outcomes measured as mean differences in severity and pain of diseases. To ensure data accuracy and relevance, duplicate publications and articles without original data (e.g., case reports, abstracts only, review articles, editorials, and letters) were excluded. Furthermore, studies with fewer than two diseases or outcome groups were excluded from the analysis. The titles, abstracts, and full-text articles were independently evaluated by two investigators (S.R.S. and K.J.L.) according to the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extraction was performed by the authors using dedicated data extraction forms, and article inclusion was confirmed through a collaborative evaluation discussion involving all investigators. To ensure the accuracy and integrity of the meta-analysis, references and data from each included study were thoroughly examined to eliminate any potential overlaps.

2.3. Data Extraction

The basic details of the studies (first author, publication year, study design, treatments, diseases, outcome measures, and treatment duration) and patient characteristics (number of patients, age, and female sex) were extracted from the included articles using a predetermined data extraction form. In cases where the studies did not report standard deviations, a combined standard deviation was estimated for the two groups. The final meta-analysis included only studies that provided comprehensive information.

2.4. Statistical Analysis

To measure the effect of seawater therapy, Hedges’ g (or standardized mean differences (SMDs)), along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for severity, pain, and QoL, were calculated for continuous variables. To adequately estimate the overall effect sizes, SMDs with their corresponding 95% CIs were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models, depending on the model assumptions [17]. More specifically, a random-effects model was used when the I2 statistic was >50%, and a fixed-effects model was used when the I2 statistic was <50%. A random-effects model analyzed using a restricted maximum-likelihood (REML) estimation was used to obtain the pooled overall SMDs and 95% CIs for outcomes [18].
A meta-regression analysis was performed for moderators comprising continuous variables, such as the number of patients, treatment duration, age, and proportion of females. Additionally, meta-ANOVA was conducted for categorical variables, including disease group, treatment type, and quality assessment group. The REML estimator was used to evaluate the variance of the true effects to analyze potential moderators. A two-sided p-value ≤ 0.05, or absence of a null value (SMD = 0) within the 95% CI, was considered significant. The analysis was conducted using the R software (version 4.3.1; R Foundation for Statistical Computing) [17].

2.5. Assessment of Potential Publication Bias

A funnel plot was created to assess the potential publication bias. The funnel plot utilized the standard error as a measure of the study size and plotted the SMDs before and after seawater therapy. In the absence of publication bias, studies typically demonstrate a symmetrical distribution based on the combined effect sizes. To further evaluate publication bias, we performed Egger’s linear regression test, as well as the Begg and Mazumdar rank correlation test [17].

2.6. Quality Assessment

The Newcastle–Ottawa quality scale was used to evaluate the quality of the observational studies [19]. We assessed the following three parameters: (1) appropriate selection; (2) comparability of the research design or statistical analysis; and (3) outcome/exposure ascertainment and research procedures. We graded each parameter with a star; a study can be awarded a maximum of one star per item for selection and outcome/exposure, and a maximum of two stars for comparability. The quality of the evidence related to the estimation of benefits and disadvantages was displayed according to the specific conditions [19].

3. Results

3.1. Study Selection

The initial search yielded 4494 articles from PubMed (n = 2774), Cochrane (n = 67), and Embase (n = 1651). Of these, 1755 studies were excluded as they either contained overlapping data or appeared in multiple databases. Following title and abstract screening, 1863 studies were eliminated as they were not related to the topic or consisted solely of abstracts. Among the 69 full-text articles assessed, 54 were excluded owing to unmatched outcomes (n = 24), unreliable research (n = 25), or not being an original study (n = 5). Ultimately, 15 studies met the selection criteria for qualitative and quantitative analyses (Figure 1).
To examine the specific variations and participant descriptions outlined in Table 1, systematic reviews and meta-analyses were conducted on 15 studies [13,14,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32] involving 1325 participants. All of the studies, except one by Harari et al. (2012) [26], were prospective observational studies, and all of the studies except one by de Andrade et al. (2008) [23] were conducted in the Dead Sea in Israel. Treatments included seawater only, seawater with sunlight, and seawater with sunlight and mud. Diseases included atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis. The mean age ranged from 42.7 to 63.0 years, the proportion of females ranged from 4.5 to 88.9%, and the treatment period ranged from 2 to 12 weeks (Table 1).

3.2. Outcome Findings

The pooled SMD for the objective severity of dermatological diseases was −1.452 (95% CI: −1.727, −1.176), which was statistically significant. The heterogeneity test demonstrated significance at p < 0.01, and the Higgins I2 value was 77.0%. In the subgroup analysis by treatment type, the mean difference was −1.581 (95% CI: −1.889, −1.274) for seawater with sun and −1.210 (95% CI: −1.417, −1.002) for seawater with sun exposure, mud pack application, and sulfur pool therapy (Figure 2). The pooled SMD for the severity of osteoarthritis was −1.110 (95% CI: −3.028, 0.806), which was not statistically significant. The heterogeneity test demonstrated significance at p < 0.01, and the Higgins I2 value was 86.0% (Figure 2).
The pooled SMD for arthritis pain was −0.821 (95% CI: −0.962 to −0.681), which was statistically significant. The heterogeneity test demonstrated significance at p = 0.27, and the Higgins I2 value was 20.0%. In the subgroup analysis by treatment type, the mean difference was −0.815 (95% CI: −0.961, −0.668) for seawater with sun treatment and −0.902 (95% CI: −1.403, −0.402) for seawater only (Figure 3). The pooled SMD for fibromyalgia pain was −1.623 (95% CI: −2.036, −1.209), which was statistically significant. The heterogeneity test demonstrated significance at p = 0.49, and the Higgins I2 value was 0.0%. The pooled SMD for QoL was −1.498 (95% CI: −1.888 to −1.108), which was statistically significant. The heterogeneity test demonstrated significance at p = 0.11, and the Higgins I2 value was 54.0% (Figure 3).

3.3. Moderator Analysis

This study explored the potential moderating roles of specific variables through meta-regression and meta-analysis of variance models (Table 2). Statistically significant differences were observed between the treatment groups (p = 0.005), with a significantly greater reduction in severity observed in the seawater with sun group −1.581 (95% CI: −1.889, −1.274). When the severity was analyzed by disease group, the p-value demonstrated borderline statistical significance. Atopic dermatitis (−2.015; 95% CI: −2.500, −1.530) showed the greatest improvement, followed by psoriasis (−1.513; 95% CI: −1.912, −1.113), and psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (−1.252; 95% CI: −1.647, −0.856). No significant differences were observed among the remaining covariates for the number of patients, treatment duration, or quality assessment of the individual studies.

3.4. Publication Bias

The statistical methods employed to detect publication bias or small-study effects are shown in PubMed and Cochrane Library (Table S1). The SMDs for the objective severity of dermatological diseases were generally symmetrical, although four and two studies on the left and right side, respectively, were outside the funnel. The SMDs for arthritis pain were evenly distributed from side to side within the funnel plot, giving a visually symmetrical graph. Egger’s linear regression test (p = 0.699) and the Begg and Mazumdar rank correlation test (p = 0.869) suggested no evidence of publication bias or small-study effects in this meta-analysis.

3.5. Quality Assessment

We critically appraised the selected 15 studies using the criteria given by the Newcastle–Ottawa quality scale, and the final quality evaluation was discussed among all investigators (Embase (Table S1)). Five studies were ranked to be of good quality (Harari et al., 2012 [26], de Andrade et al., 2008 [23], Elkayam et al., 2000 [24], Sukenik et al., 1995 [32], and Sukenik et al., 1994 [31]), and five studies were ranked to be of fair quality (Kopel et al., 2013 [14], Adler-Cohen et al., 2012 [20], Harari et al., 2007 [27], Hodak et al., 2003 [28], and Sukenik et al., 2001 [29]). Five studies (Emmanuel et al., 2020 [13], Cohen et al., 2008 [21], Cohen et al., 2005 [22], Sukenik et al., 1999 [30], and Even-Paz et al., 1996 [25]) were ranked as poor quality owing to the relatively small sample size, lack of representativeness for the exposed cohort, and selection of the nonexposed cohort.

4. Discussion

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of marine therapy for diseases and treatments, and we proposed the hypothesis that marine therapy interventions would effectively help in managing the objective severity of atopic dermatitis. Marine therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses oceanic and other aquatic resources to assist in the enhancement of individuals’ wellbeing. In this study, we explored marine-derived resources—including water, sunlight, and mud—as therapeutic agents for specific diseases, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and arthritis, as well as their preferred or most effective applications. Additionally, the results of this study provide information regarding possible target populations—such as middle-aged and elderly females with chronic diseases—and the feasible benefit of longer therapy time.
Psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and arthritis are characterized by their chronic nature and high incidence rates [12,33,34]. The treatment options for these conditions vary widely, ranging from topical or localized treatments to systemic treatments involving small molecules and biological therapies [35]. Among the causes of these conditions, immune suppression can be noted, which necessitates extensive and prolonged use of steroids [36,37]. The resulting side effects contribute significantly to the increased occurrence of NCDs in conjunction with aging [38]. These conditions are highly influenced by the surrounding environment and lead to deterioration in QoL [39,40,41].
In this sense, as demonstrated in our review, marine therapy can reduce the severity of symptoms and pain and improve QoL. An advantage of this study is that it demonstrates the variations in effectiveness based on the combination of marine-derived resources. The methods employed to alleviate these conditions or symptoms were largely seawater with sun exposure, aquatic exercise in seawater, mud pack application, and sulfur pool therapy. It is likely that the effects of marine therapy on disease severity differ significantly depending on the method employed. Furthermore, the influence of the intervention is likely to vary more significantly, in the order of seawater with sun exposure (−1.581 [95% CI: −1.889, −1.274]), seawater with sun exposure and mud pack application (−1.210 [95% CI: −1.417, −1.002]), and seawater alone (−0.604 [95% CI: −1.129, −0.079]). The effectiveness of the intervention for pain demonstrated a statistically significant impact when marine therapy-related water was considered as an individual factor. Additionally, the interventions proved effective for conditions such as psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia, with the combination of seawater and sunlight proving effective during treatment. However, when the subgroups were examined, no significant covariates acted as moderators.
The marine therapy employed in this study was mostly conducted in the Dead Sea. With its long history, the Dead Sea is characterized by the presence of rich salts, mineral content, and consistent haze, which reduces potential exposure to harmful solar ultraviolet radiation. The Dead Sea is located at the Earth’s lowest inhabited point, situated 419 m below sea level, and its unique combination of features has led to its widespread use in disease management and treatment [25,29,42,43].
This study has several strengths; first, it is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the relationships among marine therapy, disease severity, and QoL. Second, we considered the discrepancies among included studies, particularly those related to the severity and pain associated with the utilization of water and marine-derived resources. Still, this study had several limitations; one is that most of the research was conducted in the Dead Sea, which may introduce regional bias and restrict the scope to chronic skin diseases and musculoskeletal pain. Additionally, although the study was prospective, it only compared marine therapy using seawater with basic marine-derived resources.
In the future, it is essential to expand research efforts beyond the scope of the Dead Sea environment; this includes conducting randomized controlled trials in different settings to broaden our understanding. There is a significant need for research that delves into the various health conditions and symptoms, particularly in the context of public healthcare. Being primarily supplementary, marine therapy often demands prolonged application and the development of more effective approaches tailored to specific health needs, including appropriate therapy duration. The key lies in conducting well-organized systematic studies that carefully consider these factors to ensure the best outcomes for individuals seeking such therapies.
In conclusion, marine therapy shows promise as a viable therapeutic approach for improving chronic skin conditions and alleviating musculoskeletal discomfort. The outcomes of our meta-analysis and meta-regression highlight that the most effective intervention for atopic dermatitis involves combining seawater with sun exposure, which significantly improves the condition when marine-derived resources are utilized. Additionally, in the case of arthritis-related pain, the use of seawater with sun exposure has proven notably effective in reducing discomfort. Applying marine therapy to individuals with musculoskeletal pain has demonstrated substantial improvements in their QoL.

Supplementary Materials

The following supporting information can be downloaded at: https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/md21120604/s1; Table S1: Search queries.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, S.R.S. and K.J.L.; Methodology, S.-J.K., Y.K.K., S.R.S. and K.J.L.; Software, S.R.S. and K.J.L.; Validation, S.-J.K., Y.K.K., S.R.S. and K.J.L.; Formal Analysis, S.R.S. and K.J.L.; Investigation, S.-J.K., Y.K.K., S.R.S., D.S. and K.J.L.; Data Curation, S.R.S. and K.J.L.; Writing—Original Draft Preparation, S.R.S. and K.J.L.; Writing—Review and Editing, S.R.S., D.S. and K.J.L.; Visualization, S.R.S., D.S. and K.J.L.; Supervision, S.R.S. and K.J.L.; Project Administration, S.R.S. and K.J.L.; Funding Acquisition, D.S. and K.J.L. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research was funded by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Republic of Korea (grant no. 20220027) and the ‘Efficacy/standardization technology development of marine healing resources and its life cycle safety’ Project.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

  1. Global burden of 87 risk factors in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Lancet 2020, 396, 1223–1249. [CrossRef]
  2. Cleries, R.; Martínez, J.M.; Valls, J.; Pareja, L.; Esteban, L.; Gispert, R.; Moreno, V.; Ribes, J.; Borràs, J.M. Life expectancy and age-period-cohort effects: Analysis and projections of mortality in Spain between 1977 and 2016. Public Health 2009, 123, 156–162. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  3. Kontis, V.; Bennett, J.E.; Mathers, C.D.; Li, G.; Foreman, K.; Ezzati, M. Future life expectancy in 35 industrialised countries: Projections with a Bayesian model ensemble. Lancet 2017, 389, 1323–1335. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  4. World Health Organization. World Health Statistics. 2023. Available online: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases (accessed on 1 August 2023).
  5. Budreviciute, A.; Damiati, S.; Sabir, D.K.; Onder, K.; Schuller-Goetzburg, P.; Plakys, G.; Katileviciute, A.; Khoja, S.; Kodzius, R. Management and Prevention Strategies for Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Their Risk Factors. Front. Public Health 2020, 8, 574111. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  6. Fleming, L.E.; McDonough, N.; Austen, M.; Mee, L.; Moore, M.; Hess, P.; Depledge, M.H.; White, M.; Philippart, K.; Bradbrook, P.; et al. Oceans and Human Health: A rising tide of challenges and opportunities for Europe. Mar. Environ. Res. 2014, 99, 16–19. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  7. Short, R.E.; Cox, D.T.C.; Ling Tan, Y.; Bethel, A.; Eales, J.F.; Garside, R. Review of the evidence for oceans and human health relationships in Europe: A systematic map. Environ. Int. 2021, 146, 106275. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  8. Rees, J.L.; Johnson, S.T.; Boulé, N.G. Aquatic exercise for adults with type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis. Acta Diabetol. 2017, 54, 895–904. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  9. Faíl, L.B.; Marinho, D.A.; Marques, E.A.; Costa, M.J.; Santos, C.C.; Marques, M.C.; Izquierdo, M.; Neiva, H.P. Benefits of aquatic exercise in adults with and without chronic disease-A systematic review with meta-analysis. Scand. J. Med. Sci. Sports 2022, 32, 465–486. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  10. Costantino, M.; Marongiu, M.B.; Russomanno, G.; Conti, V.; Manzo, V.; Filippelli, A. Sulphureous mud-bath therapy and changes in blood pressure: Observational investigation. Clin. Ter. 2015, 166, 151–157. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  11. Yang, B.; Qin, Q.Z.; Han, L.L.; Lin, J.; Chen, Y. Spa therapy (balneotherapy) relieves mental stress, sleep disorder, and general health problems in sub-healthy people. Int. J. Biometeorol. 2018, 62, 261–272. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  12. Boehncke, W.H.; Schön, M.P. Psoriasis. Lancet 2015, 386, 983–994. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  13. Emmanuel, T.; Lybæk, D.; Johansen, C.; Iversen, L. Effect of Dead Sea Climatotherapy on Psoriasis; A Prospective Cohort Study. Front. Med. 2020, 7, 83. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  14. Kopel, E.; Levi, A.; Harari, M.; Ruzicka, T.; Ingber, A. Effect of the Dead Sea climatotherapy for psoriasis on quality of life. Isr. Med. Assoc. J. 2013, 15, 99–102. [Google Scholar] [PubMed]
  15. Finlay, A.Y.; Chernyshov, P.V.; Tomas Aragones, L.; Bewley, A.; Svensson, A.; Manolache, L.; Marron, S.; Suru, A.; Sampogna, F.; Salek, M.S.; et al. Methods to improve quality of life, beyond medicines. Position statement of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Force on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes. J. Eur. Acad. Dermatol. Venereol. 2021, 35, 318–328. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  16. Stroup, D.F.; Berlin, J.A.; Morton, S.C.; Olkin, I.; Williamson, G.D.; Rennie, D.; Moher, D.; Becker, B.J.; Sipe, T.A.; Thacker, S.B. Meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology: A proposal for reporting. Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) group. JAMA 2000, 283, 2008–2012. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  17. Shim, S.R.; Kim, S.J. Intervention meta-analysis: Application and practice using R software. Epidemiol. Health 2019, 41, e2019008. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  18. Veroniki, A.A.; Jackson, D.; Viechtbauer, W.; Bender, R.; Bowden, J.; Knapp, G.; Kuss, O.; Higgins, J.P.; Langan, D.; Salanti, G. Methods to estimate the between-study variance and its uncertainty in meta-analysis. Res. Synth. Methods 2016, 7, 55–79. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  19. Stang, A. Critical evaluation of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for the assessment of the quality of nonrandomized studies in meta-analyses. Eur. J. Epidemiol. 2010, 25, 603–605. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  20. Adler-Cohen, C.; Czarnowicki, T.; Dreiher, J.; Ruzicka, T.; Ingber, A.; Harari, M. Climatotherapy at the Dead Sea: An effective treatment modality for atopic dermatitis with significant positive impact on quality of life. Dermatitis 2012, 23, 75–80. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  21. Cohen, A.D.; Shapiro, J.; Michael, D.; Hodak, E.; Van-Dijk, D.; Naggan, L.; Vardy, D.A. Outcome of “short-term” Dead Sea climatotherapy for psoriasis. Acta Derm.-Venereol. 2008, 88, 90–91. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  22. Cohen, A.D.; Van-Dijk, D.; Naggan, L.; Vardy, D.A. Effectiveness of climatotherapy at the Dead Sea for psoriasis vulgaris: A community-oriented study introducing the ‘Beer Sheva Psoriasis Severity Score’. J. Dermatol. Treat. 2005, 16, 308–313. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  23. de Andrade, S.C.; de Carvalho, R.F.; Soares, A.S.; de Abreu Freitas, R.P.; de Medeiros Guerra, L.M.; Vilar, M.J. Thalassotherapy for fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial comparing aquatic exercises in sea water and water pool. Rheumatol. Int. 2008, 29, 147–152. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  24. Elkayam, O.; Ophir, J.; Brener, S.; Paran, D.; Wigler, I.; Efron, D.; Even-Paz, Z.; Politi, Y.; Yaron, M. Immediate and delayed effects of treatment at the Dead Sea in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Rheumatol. Int. 2000, 19, 77–82. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  25. Even-Paz, Z.; Gumon, R.; Kipnis, V.; Abels, D.; Efron, D. Dead Sea sun versus Dead Sea water in the treatment of psoriasis. J. Dermatol. Treat. 1996, 7, 83–86. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  26. Harari, M.; Czarnowicki, T.; Fluss, R.; Ruzicka, T.; Ingber, A. Patients with early-onset psoriasis achieve better results following Dead Sea climatotherapy. J. Eur. Acad. Dermatol. Venereol. 2012, 26, 554–559. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  27. Harari, M.; Novack, L.; Barth, J.; David, M.; Friger, M.; Moses, S.W. The percentage of patients achieving PASI 75 after 1 month and remission time after climatotherapy at the Dead Sea. Int. J. Dermatol. 2007, 46, 1087–1091. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  28. Hodak, E.; Gottlieb, A.B.; Segal, T.; Politi, Y.; Maron, L.; Sulkes, J.; David, M. Climatotherapy at the Dead Sea is a remittive therapy for psoriasis: Combined effects on epidermal and immunologic activation. J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 2003, 49, 451–457. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  29. Sukenik, S.; Baradin, R.; Codish, S.; Neumann, L.; Flusser, D.; Abu-Shakra, M.; Buskila, D. Balneotherapy at the Dead Sea area for patients with psoriatic arthritis and concomitant fibromyalgia. Isr. Med. Assoc. J. 2001, 3, 147–150. [Google Scholar]
  30. Sukenik, S.; Flusser, D.; Codish, S.; Abu-Shakra, M. Balneotherapy at the Dead Sea area for knee osteoarthritis. Isr. Med. Assoc. J. 1999, 1, 83–85. [Google Scholar]
  31. Sukenik, S.; Giryes, H.; Halevy, S.; Neumann, L.; Flusser, D.; Buskila, D. Treatment of psoriatic arthritis at the Dead Sea. J. Rheumatol. 1994, 21, 1305–1309. [Google Scholar]
  32. Sukenik, S.; Neumann, L.; Flusser, D.; Kleiner-Baumgarten, A.; Buskila, D. Balneotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis at the Dead Sea. Isr. J. Med. Sci. 1995, 31, 210–214. [Google Scholar] [PubMed]
  33. Bylund, S.; Kobyletzki, L.B.; Svalstedt, M.; Svensson, Å. Prevalence and Incidence of Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review. Acta Derm. Venereol. 2020, 100, adv00160. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  34. Smolen, J.S.; Aletaha, D.; McInnes, I.B. Rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet 2016, 388, 2023–2038. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  35. Kim, W.B.; Jerome, D.; Yeung, J. Diagnosis and management of psoriasis. Can. Fam. Physician 2017, 63, 278–285. [Google Scholar]
  36. Rendon, A.; Schäkel, K. Psoriasis Pathogenesis and Treatment. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20, 1475. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  37. Singh, J.A. Treatment Guidelines in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheum. Dis. Clin. N. Am. 2022, 48, 679–689. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  38. Hosseinkhani, F.; Heinken, A.; Thiele, I.; Lindenburg, P.W.; Harms, A.C.; Hankemeier, T. The contribution of gut bacterial metabolites in the human immune signaling pathway of non-communicable diseases. Gut Microbes 2021, 13, 1882927. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  39. Rousset, L.; Halioua, B. Stress and psoriasis. Int. J. Dermatol. 2018, 57, 1165–1172. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  40. Coventry, P.A.; Brown, J.E.; Pervin, J.; Brabyn, S.; Pateman, R.; Breedvelt, J.; Gilbody, S.; Stancliffe, R.; McEachan, R.; White, P.L. Nature-based outdoor activities for mental and physical health: Systematic review and meta-analysis. SSM Popul. Health 2021, 16, 100934. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  41. Tambyah, R.; Olcoń, K.; Allan, J.; Destry, P.; Astell-Burt, T. Mental health clinicians’ perceptions of nature-based interventions within community mental health services: Evidence from Australia. BMC Health Serv. Res. 2022, 22, 841. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  42. Halverstam, C.P.; Lebwohl, M. Nonstandard and off-label therapies for psoriasis. Clin. Dermatol. 2008, 26, 546–553. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  43. Leibovici, V.; Sagi, E.; Siladji, S.; Greiter, J.C.; Greiter, F.; Holubar, K. Seasonal variation of UV radiation at the Dead Sea. Dermatologica 1987, 174, 290–292. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Marinedrugs 21 00604 g001
Figure 1. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram of studies included in the selection process.
Figure 1. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram of studies included in the selection process.
Marinedrugs 21 00604 g001
Marinedrugs 21 00604 g002
Figure 2. Forest plot of the standardized mean difference for the effect of seawater therapy on the severity of diseases.
Figure 2. Forest plot of the standardized mean difference for the effect of seawater therapy on the severity of diseases.
Marinedrugs 21 00604 g002
Marinedrugs 21 00604 g003
Figure 3. Forest plot of the standardized mean difference for the effect of seawater therapy on pain of diseases and quality of life.
Figure 3. Forest plot of the standardized mean difference for the effect of seawater therapy on pain of diseases and quality of life.
Marinedrugs 21 00604 g003
Table 1. Characteristics of the studies included in the systematic review.
Table 1. Characteristics of the studies included in the systematic review.
StudyStudy DesignMean Age (Years)Female RateNo. of
Participants		Treatments (n)DiseaseOutcome MeasuresTreatment Duration (Weeks)
Emmanuel et al. [17]Prospective cohort study52.235.3%17Seawater with sun (17)PsoriasisSeverity (PASI), QoL (DLQI)4
Kopel et al. [18]Prospective study46.848.6%70Seawater with sunPsoriasis and psoriatic arthritisSeverity (PASI), QoL (Skindex-29)4
Adler-Cohen et al. [19]Prospective study40.649.0%49Seawater with sun (49)Atopic dermatitisSeverity (SCORAD), QoL (Skindex-29)4
Harari et al. [20]Retrospective study48.14.5%605Seawater with sunPsoriasisSeverity (PASI)4
Cohen et al. [21]Prospective study52.544.7%85Seawater with sunPsoriasisSeverity (PASI)2
de Andrade et al. [22]Prospective study48.550.0%19Aquatic exercise in the seawaterFibromyalgiaPain (no. of active joints)12
Harari et al. [23]Prospective study4234.4%64Seawater with sunPsoriasisSeverity (PASI)4
Cohen et al. [24]Prospective study48.542.9%70Seawater with sunPsoriasisSeverity (PASI)2
Hodak et al. [25]Prospective study48.533.3%27Seawater with sunPsoriasisSeverity (PASI)4
Sukenik et al. [26]Prospective study48.533.9%56Seawater with sun (28), seawater with sun, mud pack, and sulfur pool (28)Psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgiaPain (no. of active joints)3
Elkayam et al. [27]Prospective study5238.1%42Seawater with sun (19), seawater with sun, mud pack, and sulfur pool (23)Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritisSeverity (PASI), pain (no. of active joints)4
Sukenik et al. [28]Prospective study6388.9%17Seawater (10), seawater with sulfur pool (7)Osteoarthritis_KnessSeverity (Lequesne index)2
Even-Paz et al. [29]Prospective study4850.0%47Seawater (15), seawater with sun (32)PsoriasisSeverity (PASI)4
Sukenik et al. [30]Prospective study60.186.1%9Seawater (9), seawater with sulfur pool (10)Rheumatoid arthritisPain (no. of active joints)2
Sukenik et al. [31]Prospective study42.750.7%148Seawater with sun (18), seawater with sun, mud pack, and sulfur pool (130)Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritisSeverity (PASI), pain (no. of active joints)3
PASI, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index; DLQI, Dermatology Quality of Life Index; SCORAD, Scoring Atopic Dermatitis index. The age in Cohen et al., 2005 [22], Hodak et al., 2003 [28], and Even-Paz et al., 1996 [25] was the median.
Table 2. Effects of moderators on severity and pain of diseases.
Table 2. Effects of moderators on severity and pain of diseases.
SeverityPain
VariableskCoefSMD95% CIpkCoefSMD95% CIp
No. of total participants140.000 −0.0020.0020.979 −0.001 −0.0050.0020.451
Treatment duration14 −0.154 −0.529 0.220 0.418 0.064 −0.261 0.389 0.699
Age14 0.041 −0.028 0.109 0.249 −0.009 −0.044 0.026 0.610
Female rate14 0.362 −1.935 2.659 0.757 −0.127 −1.392 1.138 0.844
Diseases 0.056 0.815
Psoriasis8 −1.513 −1.912 −1.113
Atopic dermatitis1 −2.015 −2.500 −1.530
Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis5 −1.252 −1.647 −0.856 4 −0.8−0.955−0.644
Psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia 1 −0.929−1.364−0.495
Rheumatoid arthritis 2 −0.902−1.403−0.402
Treatments 0.005 0.635
Seawater1 −0.604 −1.129 −0.079
Seawater with sun11 −1.581 −1.889 −1.274 5 −0.815−0.961−0.668
Seawater with sun and mud2 −1.210 −1.417 −1.002 2 −0.902−1.403−0.402
Quality assessment 0.063 0.607
Poor and fair9 −1.649 −2.050 −1.248 1 −0.929−1.364−0.495
Good5 −1.218 −1.430 −1.005 6 −0.809−0.957−0.66
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Shim, S.R.; Shin, D.; Kim, S.-J.; Kim, Y.K.; Lee, K.J. Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential and Healthcare Applications of Marine Therapy: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression. Mar. Drugs 2023, 21, 604. https://doi.org/10.3390/md21120604

AMA Style

Shim SR, Shin D, Kim S-J, Kim YK, Lee KJ. Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential and Healthcare Applications of Marine Therapy: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression. Marine Drugs. 2023; 21(12):604. https://doi.org/10.3390/md21120604

Chicago/Turabian Style

Shim, Sung Ryul, Dayeon Shin, Seong-Jang Kim, Young Kook Kim, and Kyung Ju Lee. 2023. "Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential and Healthcare Applications of Marine Therapy: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression" Marine Drugs 21, no. 12: 604. https://doi.org/10.3390/md21120604

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop