The effects of two methods of reflexology and stretching exercises on the severity of restless leg syndrome among hemodialysis patients
Strong EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
Restless leg syndrome prevalence is high among the patients undergoing hemodialysis. Due to several side effects of medicational treatments, the patients prefer non-medicational methods. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of two methods of reflexology and stretching exercises on the severity of restless leg syndrome among patients undergoing hemodialysis. This study is a randomized clinical trial that was done on 90 qualified patients undergoing hemodialysis in selected hospitals of Isfahan, who were diagnosed with restless leg syndrome through standard restless leg syndrome questionnaire. They were randomly assigned by random number table to three groups: Reflexology, stretching exercises, and control groups through random allocation. Foot reflexology and stretching exercises were conducted three times a week for 30-40 min within straight 4 weeks. Data analysis was performed by SPSS version 18 using descriptive and inferential statistical analyses [one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), paired t-test, and least significant difference (LSD) post hoc test]. There was a significant difference in the mean scores of restless leg syndrome severity between reflexology and stretching exercises groups, compared to control (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between the two study groups (P < 0.001). Changes in the mean score of restless leg syndrome severity were significantly higher in reflexology and stretching exercises groups compared to the control group (P < 0.001), but it showed no significant difference between reflexology massage and stretching exercises groups. Our obtained results showed that reflexology and stretching exercises can reduce the severity of restless leg syndrome. These two methods of treatment are recommended to the patients.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found
- ✓Both reflexology and stretching exercises were tested as non-medicational interventions for reducing restless leg syndrome severity in hemodialysis patients over a 4-week treatment period.
- ✓The study enrolled 90 hemodialysis patients with confirmed restless leg syndrome and randomly assigned them to three groups: reflexology, stretching exercises, and control groups.
What This Means for You
If you have restless leg syndrome and are on dialysis, reflexology appears to be as helpful as stretching exercises for reducing symptoms, though this evidence comes from a single moderate-sized study.
What This Means for Practitioners
Foot reflexology demonstrates effectiveness equivalent to stretching exercises for reducing restless leg syndrome severity in hemodialysis patients, with measurable improvements achievable in 4 weeks at three sessions weekly.
Study Design: how this randomised trial was run
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
If you have restless leg syndrome and are on dialysis, reflexology appears to be as helpful as stretching exercises for reducing symptoms, though this evidence comes from a single moderate-sized study.
What did this study find?
Both reflexology and stretching exercises were tested as non-medicational interventions for reducing restless leg syndrome severity in hemodialysis patients over a 4-week treatment period. The study enrolled 90 hemodialysis patients with confirmed restless leg syndrome and randomly assigned them to three groups: reflexology, stretching exercises, and control groups.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 90 participants. It was published in Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, a Q1 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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