Gastein Research Institute
Research
The Gastein Research Institute focuses on rheumatic diseases and degenerative joint disorders. Its key areas of expertise include the therapeutic use of radon in its various application forms and the study of ankylosing spondylitis (Morbus Bechterew) and degenerative osteoarthritis.
While specializing in these areas, the research institute maintains a broad research scope, allowing it to address various topics relevant to Gastein's health institutions. Basic research explores the effects of radon treatments on cell cultures, inflammation, and cytokine profiles in arthritis and osteoarthritis models.
Clinical studies investigate the impact of Gastein’s combined hyperthermia/radon therapy on the immune system in patients with osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other rheumatic conditions.
Alongside its own research, the FOI also supports studies from Gastein's spa and rehabilitation facilities, as well as external institutions such as Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, the University of Erlangen, and the Helmholtz Center for Heavy Ion Research Darmstadt.
