Effects of kneipp therapy: A systematic review of current scientific evidence (2000 2019)

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the available evidence on the effect of Kneipp therapy. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and CAMbase were searched for relevant articles published between 2000 and 2019. Grey literature was obtained through Google Scholar and other tools. Studies with any kind of study design that examined the effects of Kneipp therapy were included. The quality assessment was carried out using EPHPP-QAT. Results: 25 sources, including 14 controlled studies, were included. According to EPHPP-QAT, 3 studies were rated as "strong," 13 as "moderate" and 9 as "weak." Nine (64%) of the controlled studies reported significant improvements after Kneipp therapy in a between-group comparison in chronic venous insufficiency, hypertension, mild heart failure, menopausal complaints, and sleep disorders in different patient collectives as well as improved immune parameters in healthy subjects. Regarding depression and anxiety in breast cancer patients with climacteric complaints, quality of life in post-polio syndrome, disease-related polyneuropathic complaints and incidence of cold episodes in children, no significant group differences were found. Eleven uncontrolled studies reported improvements in allergic symptoms, dyspepsia, quality of life, heart rate variability, infections, hypertension, well-being, pain and polyneuropathic complaints. Discussion/Conclusion: Kneipp therapy seems to be beneficial for numerous symptoms in different patient groups. Future studies should pay even more attention to methodologically careful study planning (control groups, randomisation, adequate case numbers, blinding) to counteract bias.