2.3. Data extraction and outcome measures

Data was extracted from qualifying studies by 2 reviewers (XS and YL) using standardized forms. The study database recorded basic information of the qualified studies (first author, country, and published date), characteristics of the study participants (sex, age, and location of OA), characteristics of the mineral water (mineral composition and average temperature), the study interventions, duration of the intervention, and follow-up periods. The outcome measures comprised pain outcomes (VAS, WOMAC),^[40,41] physical function outcomes (LI, functional index for hand osteoarthritis score, minimal clinically important improvement, range of movement, knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score,^[42–45] and QoL evaluation (the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales, the European Quality of life 5-Dimension Scale (EQ-5D), the Nottingham Health Profile, the Short Form 36-item Health Survey (SF-36), or the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ).^[46–48]