Effect of stretching exercises versus thermotherapy on restless legs syndrome symptoms, pain, and quality of sleep among pregnant women

Abstract

Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensory-motor disorder affecting up to one in three pregnant women, which peaks during the third trimester and is linked to poor pregnancy outcomes. Symptoms typically worsen during a period of inactivity, especially at night, resulting in sleep disruption or deprivation. This study aimed to compare the effects of stretching exercises versus thermotherapy on RLS symptoms and sleep quality among pregnant women. Study design: A quasi-experimental study was carried out at the antenatal outpatient clinic of Maternity University Hospital. A sample of 60 pregnant women was randomly assigned to two groups. One group was instructed to perform leg stretching exercises daily for one week, and the other group applied thermotherapy. They rated their RLS symptoms, pain level, and sleep quality at baseline and after receiving interventions. Results: the severity of RLS symptoms declined to a mild level among pregnant women immediately and after one week of performing stretching exercises (53.3%, 93.3%), compared to 6.7% and 63.3% of those who applied thermotherapy (p=0.001, p= 0.02).