Clinical studies conducted within the thermal medicine research program explore various areas of care in thermal settings.

• Study on Knee Osteoarthritis: Led by Professor Isabelle Chary VALCKENAERE, this study compares two types of thermal therapies—classic and active—for patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. It assesses the impact of thermal treatments (hydromassages, mud baths, kinesi-balneotherapy, etc.) on joint pain and function.

• Aquatic Rehabilitation After Knee Ligamentoplasty in Athletes: Conducted by Professors Philippe PERRIN, Didier MAINARD, and Franck WEIN, this study examines the effectiveness of aquatic-based physical therapy to accelerate recovery in athletes who have undergone ACL ligamentoplasty.

• Kinesi-balneotherapy for Parkinson’s Disease, THERMAPARK: In partnership with France Parkinson and the University of Lorraine, this study, led by Professor Philippe PERRIN, compares the effects of aquatic-based rehabilitation with land-based therapy on the quality of life of Parkinson’s patients.

• Rehabilitation After Shoulder Surgery, THERMASCAP: This upcoming study will be led by Professors PERRIN, Didier MAINARD, and Isabelle Chary VALCKENAERE. It compares thermal-based rehabilitation with conventional rehabilitation to optimize functional recovery post-shoulder surgery in professionally active patients under 60.

• Jet Massage Technique, THERMAJET: This study, currently under development and coordinated by Professors Isabelle Chary VALCKENAERE and Philippe PERRIN, evaluates the benefits of jet massage in reducing pain in patients with chronic low back pain. It aims to develop an innovative, non-invasive rehabilitation protocol using targeted thermal water jets to improve mobility, strengthen postural muscles, and enhance proprioception.

• Assessment of the Therapeutic Effect of Halotherapy Using Varangéville Mine Salt: This study, currently in development and led by Benoît TALLOT, Agnès BRANCHU, and the town of Varangéville (Mayor: Christopher Varin), explores the effects of halotherapy (inhalation of salt aerosols) for asthma patients. Inspired by experiences in Poland and Romania, this research aims to replicate the underground conditions of temperature, humidity, and salt concentration from the Varangéville mine in a surface-level “salt cave.” The goal is to evaluate the improvement in respiratory function for asthmatic patients who are stabilized but not fully managed by conventional treatments. Over three weeks, asthma patients will receive sessions three times per week, randomly assigned to either a salt room or a placebo room, followed by spirometric tests (FEV1, FVC, PEFR) to measure the effects of halotherapy.