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. 2010 Jul 14;76(4):207–210. doi: 10.1016/S0031-9406(10)62176-1

Prevention of Common Colds by Hydrotherapy: A Controlled Long-term Prospective Study

Edzard Ernst a, Peter Wirz b, Lisa Pecho c
PMCID: PMC7131604

Summary

In a search for an effective prophylaxis against common colds, 25 volunteers were treated regularly with a standardised hydrotherapy programme for half a year, while 25 matched untreated persons served as controls. The frequency, duration and strength of colds were recorded. Results show that there is a significant reduction in frequency of colds in the treated group. Similarly, this group seemed also to be affected less severely. The duration of common colds was shorter in the treated group which, however, failed to reach the level of significance. The prophylactic effects took about three months to become apparent. The underlying mechanism, by which the effect is mediated, is speculative at present. It is suggested that regular hydrotherapy represents an effective prophylaxis against common colds.

Key Words: Colds, hydrotherapy

Biography

Biography: Edzard Ernst graduated from Munich University Medical School in 1979. He joined the university department of physical medicine as a young doctor and subsequently worked in London for several years. After several other appointments he re-joined the Munich physical medicine department where he worked for six years and gained his PhD. His main research interest is haemorheology on which he has published many papers and several books. In addition he pursued an interest in clinical research into physical medicine. In 1989 he was appointed professor in his present department at the Medical School of Hanover.

The co-authors of the present paper are two of his students who were deeply involved in the study.

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