The Effect of Stretching Exercises on Severity of Restless Legs Syndrome in Patients on Hemodialysis

Unfolding the role of exercise in the management of sleep disorders

Sleep disorders are prevalent among the general population and even more in individuals suffering from chronic diseases. Recent data reveal promising effects of physical exercise as a non-pharmacological approach for improving sleep and managing various sleep disorders. However, more studies with proper design and methodology should be conducted in the future to obtain a clearer understanding of the subject. The role of exercise in preventing and improving sleep disorders is probably much higher than what is currently exploited. To fully exploit the potential benefit of physical activity on sleep disorders in the future, it is necessary to identify the relevant tools to assess sleep-wake disorders and establish specific exercise protocols tailored to different sleep disorders. The present manuscript aims to review the literature on the use of exercise in managing selected sleep disorders. Regular exercise, including short-term aerobic activity, resistance training, and mind-body exercises, can effectively improve sleep quality, particularly in cases of insomnia and sleep-disordered breathing. Additionally, increasing evidence supports the effectiveness of aerobic and strength training, and body-mind exercises such as yoga in managing sleep-related movement disorders. Exercise can be a safe, affordable, and efficient tool in enhancing sleep quality and improving sleep disorders. Per se, regular exercise could play an adjuvant role alongside with established therapies, or a valid alternative when the pharmacological approach is limited by side effects, interactions, or inefficacy. More research is needed to define how exercise affects the physiology of sleep, and consequently how to use exercise in patients with sleep disorders.

Sleep pattern and disorders among pregnant women in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Sleep is essential for pregnant women's and the offspring's health and wellbeing. Poor sleep and disorders have been linked with adverse fetal outcomes and delivery conditions. However, pregnant women often experience several forms of sleep disruption, which has been scarcely reported in low and middle-income countries (LMIC), including Nigeria where the influence of lifestyle factors has also been lacking. We investigated sleep patterns and disorders and the associated factors among pregnant women in Southwest, Nigeria.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study was conducted among five hundred (500) pregnant women attending Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to examine different domains of sleep and associated disorders, namely sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (> 5 and ≤ 5)), insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index (> 8 and ≤ 8)), restless leg syndrome (Restless Leg Syndrome Rating Scale (> 10 and ≤ 10). Significant covariates such as physical activity, minimum dietary diversity, smoking and alcohol intake were also assessed. We conducted bivariate and multivariate analysis at p < 0.05 significance level.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 30.4 ± 4.8 years. The pattern of sleep disorder in pregnant were poor sleep quality (50%), restless leg syndrome (58.2%) and insomnia (33.4%). Being currently married (AOR = 6.13; 95% CI: (1.65-22.23)), increasing gestational age: second trimester (AOR = 8.25;95% CI: (1.78-38.17)) to third trimester (AOR = 10.98; 95% CI: (2.44-49.48)) increased the odds of poor sleep quality. Factors associated with restless leg syndrome were marital status [AOR = 3.60; 95% CI; (1.25-10.35)], religion, rigorous physical activities [AOR = 1.52; 95% CI: (1.05-2.21)] and alcohol consumption [AOR = 3.51; 95% CI: (1.00-12.27)]. Factors associated with insomnia were maternal age [AOR = 1.83; 95% CI: (1.11-3.01)], income [AOR = 2.99 (1.26-7.16)] and rigorous physical activity [AOR = 2.55 (1.61-4.02)].

CONCLUSION

Poor sleep quality, restless leg syndrome and insomnia were typical among pregnant women in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria. Thus, awareness and education on the importance of sleep and its risk and protective factors, such as alcohol consumption, smoking, rigorous activity and spousal and family support, should be increased to reduce poor sleep quality and sleep disorders (restless leg syndrome and insomnia) during the pregnancy period.

Advancements in Restless Leg Syndrome Management: A Review of Physiotherapeutic Modalities and Their Efficacy

The goal of this review is to compile information on the use of physiotherapeutic treatments for the treatment of restless leg syndrome (RLS) and to classify the effectiveness of conservative methods in relieving the discomfort due to RLS. English literature found on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus was used in the present review. According to the titles and matters of the abstracts, each literature item connected to RLS was retrieved, analyzed, and reviewed. The 24 papers that were considered admissible were those that included manual approaches, exercises, and alternative RLS management, which were then analyzed for data by the authors. A consistent trend in the data demonstrated benefits in lessening RLS symptom severity across the 24 papers that met the selection criteria. Patients were chosen based on clinical diagnostic standards, and the effectiveness of stretching, exercise therapy, yoga, vibration therapy, reflexology and massage, muscular relaxation techniques, and electrical stimulation was determined. Our findings indicated that each type of therapy significantly affected the manifestations of the illness. Stretching, fitness training, and reflexology were very beneficial, with no side effects and shorter intervention periods.

The effect of progressive muscle relaxation exercise on the intensity of symptoms and quality of sleep and quality of life in pregnant women with restless leg syndrome

OBJECTIVE

This study, accordingly, was conducted with the purpose of investigating the effect of progressive muscle relaxation exercise on the intensity of restless leg syndrome (RLS) and RLS-related quality of life and sleep in pregnant women with RLS.

METHODS

This one-centered, parallel randomized controlled study was conducted with 52 pregnant women. 27-28th of pregnancy, progressive muscle relaxation exercises training was shown and they were asked to practice them 3 times a week for 8 weeks.

RESULTS

It was found that the RLS Intensity Scale and PSQI posttest mean scores of the women in experiment group are lower on a statically significant level than the mean scores of the women in control group (p = 0.000 and p = 0.001). It was detected that the RLS-Qol posttest mean scores of the women in the experiment group are higher than the mean scores in the control group on a statistically significant level (p = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

It was seen that progressive muscle relaxation exercises alleviate RLS intensity and symptoms and improve RLS-related quality of life and sleep in pregnant women.

PRACTICE IMPLICATION

Progressive muscle relaxation exercises are beneficial for pregnant women and can be easily integrated into practice.

Practice recommendations for the role of physiotherapy in the management of sleep disorders: the 2022 Brazilian Sleep Association Guidelines

This clinical guideline supported by the Brazilian Sleep Association comprises a brief history of the development of Brazilian sleep physiotherapy, outlines the role of the physiotherapist as part of a sleep health team, and describes the clinical guidelines in respect of the management of some sleep disorders by the physiotherapist (including sleep breathing disorders, i.e., obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, upper airway resistance syndrome, hypoventilation syndromes and overlap syndrome, and pediatric sleep breathing disorders; sleep bruxism; circadian rhythms disturbances; insomnia; and Willis-Ekbom disease/periodic limb movement disorder. This clinical practice guideline reflects the state of the art at the time of publication and will be reviewed and updated as new information becomes available.

Acupressure reduces the severity of restless legs syndrome in hemodialysis patients: A cluster-randomized crossover pilot study

Background

Restless legs syndrome (RLS), a neurological disorder, often affects sleep quality in hemodialysis patients. This study aimed to evaluate acupressure's effect on the severity of RLS symptoms and sleep quality in hemodialysis patients with RLS.

Methods

This study is a cluster-randomized crossover pilot study. Patients were randomized to two sequences: acupressure for one month and observation for another month (AC); and observation for one month and acupressure for another month (CA). For the four-week acupressure intervention, patients received 36 min of acupressure three times weekly during their hemodialysis sessions. The acupoints were on the bilateral lower limbs, including Zusanli (ST36), Yanglingquan (GB34), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Xuanzhong (GB39), Chengshan (BL57), and Taichong (LR3). RLS severity and sleep quality (measured with the Pittsburgh sleep quality index, PSQI) were measured at baseline, month 1, and month 2.

Results

AC sequence (n = 14) was similar to the CA sequence (n = 9) in terms of gender, age, education, employment, marital status, comorbid disease, BMI, duration of dialysis, medication for RLS and insomnia, RLS severity, and PSQI. The general linear mixed model revealed no significant carryover effect on RLS severity, PSQI, and the seven subscales of PSQI. A significant treatment effect (acupressure) was only observed in RLS severity (p = 0.0013) but not in PSQI and the seven subscales. The significant period effect was observed in RLS severity (p = 0.0250) and the subscale of sleep disturbance (p = 0.0021).

Conclusion

In hemodialysis patients with RLS, acupressure can alleviate the severity of RLS but cannot improve sleep quality.

Exercise training for adults undergoing maintenance dialysis

BACKGROUND

Dialysis treatments weigh heavily on patients' physical and psychosocial health. Multiple studies have assessed the potential for exercise training to improve outcomes in adults undergoing dialysis. However, uncertainties exist in its relevance and sustainable benefits for patient-important outcomes. This is an update of a review first published in 2011.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and safety of regular structured exercise training in adults undergoing dialysis on patient-important outcomes including death, cardiovascular events, fatigue, functional capacity, pain, and depression. We also aimed to define the optimal prescription of exercise in adults undergoing dialysis.

SEARCH METHODS

In this update, we conducted a systematic search of the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 23 December 2020. The Register includes studies identified from CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov as well as kidney-related journals and the proceedings of major kidney conferences.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of any structured exercise programs of eight weeks or more in adults undergoing maintenance dialysis compared to no exercise or sham exercise.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed the search results for eligibility, extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Whenever appropriate, we performed random-effects meta-analyses of the mean difference in outcomes. The primary outcomes were death (any cause), cardiovascular events and fatigue. Secondary outcomes were health-related quality of life (HRQoL), depression, pain, functional capacity, blood pressure, adherence to the exercise program, and intervention-related adverse events.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 89 studies involving 4291 randomised participants, of which 77 studies (3846 participants) contributed to the meta-analyses. Seven studies included adults undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Fifty-six studies reported aerobic exercise interventions, 21 resistance exercise interventions and 19 combined aerobic and resistance training within the same study arm. The interventions lasted from eight weeks to two years and most often took place thrice weekly during dialysis treatments. A single study reported death and no study reported long-term cardiovascular events. Five studies directly assessed fatigue, 46 reported HRQoL and 16 reported fatigue or pain through their assessment of HRQoL. Thirty-five studies assessed functional capacity, and 21 reported resting peripheral blood pressure. Twelve studies reported adherence to exercise sessions, and nine reported exercise-related adverse events. Overall, the quality of the included studies was low and blinding of the participants was generally not feasible due to the nature of the intervention. Exercise had uncertain effects on death, cardiovascular events, and the mental component of HRQoL due to the very low certainty of evidence. Compared with sham or no exercise, exercise training for two to 12 months may improve fatigue in adults undergoing dialysis, however, a meta-analysis could not be conducted. Any exercise training for two to 12 months may improve the physical component of HRQoL (17 studies, 656 participants: MD 4.12, 95% CI 1.88 to 6.37 points on 100 points-scale; I² = 49%; low certainty evidence). Any exercise training for two to 12 months probably improves depressive symptoms (10 studies, 441 participants: SMD -0.65, 95% CI -1.07 to -0.22; I² = 77%; moderate certainty evidence) and the magnitude of the effect may be greater when maintaining the exercise beyond four months (6 studies, 311 participants: SMD -0.30, 95% CI 0.14 to -0.74; I² = 71%). Any exercise training for three to 12 months may improve pain (15 studies, 872 participants: MD 5.28 95% CI -0.12 to 10.69 points on 100 points-scale; I² = 63%: low certainty evidence) however, the 95% CI indicates that exercise training may make little or no difference in the level of pain. Any exercise training for two to six months probably improves functional capacity as it increased the distance reached during six minutes of walking (19 studies, 827 participants: MD 49.91 metres, 95% CI 37.22 to 62.59; I² = 34%; moderate certainty evidence) and the number of sit-to-stand cycles performed in 30 seconds (MD 2.33 cycles, 95% CI 1.71 to 2.96; moderate certainty evidence). There was insufficient evidence to assess the safety of exercise training for adults undergoing maintenance dialysis. The results were similar for aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, and a combination of both aerobic and resistance exercise.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

It is uncertain whether exercise training improves death, cardiovascular events, or the mental component of HRQoL in adults undergoing maintenance dialysis. Exercise training probably improves depressive symptoms, particularly when the intervention is maintained beyond four months. Exercise training is also likely to improve functional capacity. Low certainty evidence suggested that exercise training may improve fatigue, the physical component of quality of life, and pain. The safety of exercise training for adults undergoing dialysis remains uncertain.

Pharmacological and Nonpharmacological Treatments for Restless Legs Syndrome in End Stage Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Component Network Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is common among patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) and is associated with poor outcomes. Several recently published studies had focused on pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments of RLS, but an updated meta-analysis has not been conducted.

METHODS

The study population was adult ESKD patients on dialysis with RLS. Randomized controlled trials were selected. The primary outcome was reduction in RLS severity. The secondary outcomes were improvement in sleep quality and treatment-related adverse events. Frequentist standard network meta-analysis and additive component network meta-analysis was performed. The evidence certainty was assessed using Confidence in NMA (CINeMA) framework.

RESULTS

A total of 24 RCTs with 1,252 participants were enrolled and 14 interventions were compared. Cool dialysate produced the largest RLS severity score reduction (MD: 16.82, 95% CI: 10.635-23.02) and high level of confidence. Other potential non-pharmacologic interventions including intradialytic stretching exercise (MD: 12.00, 95% CI: 7.04-16.97) and aromatherapy massage (MD: 10.91, 95% CI: 6.96-14.85) but all with limited confidence of evidence. Among the pharmacological interventions, gabapentin was the most effective (MD: 8.95, 95% CI: 1.95-15.85), which also improved sleep quality (SMD: 2.00, 95% CI: 0.47-3.53). No statically significant adverse events were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The NMA supports that cool dialysate is appropriate to apply to treat patients with ESKD and RLS. Gabapentin is most effective pharmacologic intervention which also might improve sleep quality. Further parallel RCTs with sufficient sample sizes are required to evaluate these potential interventions and long-term effects.

Effects of a 12-week yoga versus a 12-week educational film intervention on symptoms of restless legs syndrome and related outcomes: an exploratory randomized controlled trial

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of a yoga versus educational film (EF) program on restless legs syndrome (RLS) symptoms and related outcomes in adults with RLS.

METHODS

Forty-one community-dwelling, ambulatory nonpregnant adults with moderate to severe RLS were randomized to a 12-week yoga (n = 19) or EF program (n = 22). In addition to attending classes, all participants completed practice/treatment logs. Yoga group participants were asked to practice at home 30 minutes per day on nonclass days; EF participants were instructed to record any RLS treatments used on their daily logs. Core outcomes assessed pretreatment and posttreatment were RLS symptoms and symptom severity (International RLS Study Group Scale (IRLS) and RLS ordinal scale), sleep quality, mood, perceived stress, and quality of life (QOL).

RESULTS

Thirty adults (13 yoga, 17 EF), aged 24 to 73 (mean = 50.4 ± 2.4 years), completed the 12-week study (78% female, 80.5% white). Post-intervention, both groups showed significant improvement in RLS symptoms and severity, perceived stress, mood, and QOL-mental health (P ≤ .04). Relative to the EF group, yoga participants demonstrated significantly greater reductions in RLS symptoms and symptom severity (P ≤ .01), and greater improvements in perceived stress and mood (P ≤ .04), as well as sleep quality (P = .09); RLS symptoms decreased to minimal/mild in 77% of yoga group participants, with none scoring in the severe range by week 12, versus 24% and 12%, respectively, in EF participants. In the yoga group, IRLS and RLS severity scores declined with increasing minutes of homework practice (r = .7, P = .009 and r = .6, P = .03, respectively), suggesting a possible dose-response relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of this exploratory RCT suggest that yoga may be effective in reducing RLS symptoms and symptom severity, decreasing perceived stress, and improving mood and sleep in adults with RLS.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registry: Clinicaltrials.gov; Title: Yoga vs. Education for Restless Legs: a Feasibility Study; Identifier: NCT03570515; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03570515.

Comparative efficacy and acceptability of treatments for restless legs syndrome in end-stage renal disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is common in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and impairs health and quality of life significantly. However, the optimal treatment of RLS in ESRD patients is uncertain and less studied compared with idiopathic RLS patients.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and acceptability of treatments for RLS in ESRD patients. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by February 2019 in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and ClinicalTrials.gov were reviewed. RLS severity reduction was treated as treatment efficacy, and adverse events were treated as acceptable. Both outcomes were appraised using a random effects model expressed as standardized mean differences and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), respectively, and were ranked using surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) probabilities to obtain a hierarchy of interventions.

Results

A total of 12 RCTs were included, comprising 9 interventions and 498 participants. All the interventions significantly improved RLS severity without critical side effects compared with placebo. Gabapentin achieved the greatest decrease of RLS severity [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.95, 95% CI 0.81–3.09 (SUCRA: 79.3%)], despite its frequent adverse events [SMD = 0.18, 95% CI 0.02–1.50 (19.9%)]. The combination therapy of exercise plus dopamine agonist had better efficacy [SMD = 1.60, 95% CI 0.08–3.12 (59.8%)] and acceptability [SMD = 1.41, 95% CI 0.01–142.53 (63.9%)] compared with that of vitamin C plus vitamin E [SMD = 1.50, 95% CI 0.47–2.54 (56.6%); SMD = 0.32, 95% CI 0.04–2.86 (32.5%)].

Conclusions

This network meta-analysis supports that gabapentin is the most effective treatment for RLS in ESRD patients. Exercise plus dopamine agonist is a favorable combination therapy concerning side effects. Future large RCTs with long-term treatment outcomes are necessary.

Exercise as a favorable non-pharmacologic treatment to Sleep-Related Movement Disorders: a review

Non-pharmacologic treatments of Sleep-Related Movement Disorders (SRMD) are already well described in the literature. The physical activity has been presented as a factor to improve quality of life and in several aspects related to sleep disorders. Thus, the purpose of this review was to analyze the benefits of physical exercise and your indication to improve to SRMD. In the research, 19 studies were found that evaluate the efficacy of physical exercise on SRMD in both human and animal models. The results demonstrate that both acute and chronic physical exercises are effective in reducing symptoms of SRMD. However, most studies were performed with aerobic exercise. Three studies evaluated the efficacy of combined exercise, and no studies have investigated the relationship of resistance exercise. Regarding the mechanisms involved, a study discusses the relationship between the release of beta-endorphin and the exercise practice, and two studies with animal models show the changes of the dopaminergic system after physical exercise. From this evidences, we suggested that physical exercise is a favorable non-pharmacological treatment for SRMD. However, more studies should be available for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved, as well of the type, duration and better time of the day to practice.

Effect of Near-Infrared Light Therapy Based on Acupoints on the Severity of Restless Legs Syndrome in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common disorder in hemodialysis patients. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of near-infrared (NIR) light therapy given to acupoints on the severity of RLS in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

METHODS

This single-blind, randomized controlled trial was performed on 60 hemodialysis patients with RLS. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 30) or a control group (n = 30). Data were collected using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (IRLSRS) and demographic information questionnaire. The intervention group received 12 sessions of NIR light therapy (940 nm) to acupoints in the legs and feet during hemodialysis three times a week, while the control group received sham treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 software.

RESULTS

The results indicated that there were statistically and clinically significant differences between the intervention and control groups at the end of the intervention sessions (P < 0.001, mean difference [MD] = 3.8). However, after the treatment was discontinued, the difference was not clinically significant (MD = 2.4). In the within-group compression, the mean RLS scores of the intervention group decreased significantly during the intervention sessions (MD = 3.2, P < 0.001); however, after the treatment was discontinued, the difference was not clinically significant (MD = 1.67).

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that the application of NIR light to acupoints in the legs and feet was as an effective treatment for attenuating the symptoms of RLS in hemodialysis patients.

Effects of Exercise Training on Restless Legs Syndrome, Depression, Sleep Quality, and Fatigue Among Hemodialysis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Hemodialysis (HD) patients experience a heavy symptom burden that leads to a decreased quality of life. Pharmacological treatment is effective but costly and has adverse effects. Exercise is a promising approach for symptom management, but the effect of exercise on restless legs syndrome (RLS), depression, sleep quality, and fatigue in HD patients is still uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

This meta-analysis was conducted to identify whether exercise training is beneficial in the treatment of the symptoms of RLS, depression, poor sleep quality, and fatigue in patients receiving HD.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing exercise training with routine care on RLS, depression, sleep quality, and fatigue among HD patients. Quality assessment was conducted using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and RevMan 5.3 was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Fifteen RCTs that met our inclusion criteria were included. The pooled effect size showed that exercise training was effective on RLS (P < 0.001), depression (P < 0.001), and fatigue (P < 0.001). However, effect size combinations for sleep quality were not performed owing to the sensitivity analysis results.

CONCLUSION

Exercise training may help HD patients to reduce the severity of RLS, depression, and fatigue. More high-quality RCTs with larger samples and comparative RCTs focused on different exercise regimens are needed.