Effects of Stretching Exercises and Myofascial Pain Release on Pain and Sleep Quality in Antenatal Restless Leg Syndrome

Main Article Content

Hafiza Iqra Rubab
Hafiza Muriam Ghani
Hafiza Sara Wafa
Amon
Muhammad Farid Nasir

Abstract

Background: Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a condition that plagues many, causing an irresistible urge to move the legs, especially during periods of rest. This condition can be particularly challenging for pregnant women, impacting their sleep quality and overall well-being. Recognizing the need for effective, non-pharmacological interventions, this study delves into comparing the efficacy of two widely used therapies: stretching exercises and myofascial pain release (MPR).


Objective: The primary aim was to evaluate and compare the effects of stretching exercises and myofascial pain release on pain reduction and sleep quality improvement in antenatal RLS patients.


Methods: Conducted at the gynecology clinic of Khalid Farooqi Memorial Hospital, Hafizabad, this randomized clinical trial enlisted 22 participants, divided into control (n=11) and case (n=11) groups. The case group underwent stretching exercises coupled with infra-red therapy, while the control group received MPR and infra-red therapy. Both interventions were administered twice weekly for eight weeks. Outcomes were measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at baseline, 4th, and 8th weeks. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25, employing Shapiro-Wilk, repeated measure ANOVA, and one-way ANOVA tests.


Results: Initially, both groups exhibited moderate to severe symptoms. Post-treatment, significant improvements were noted. After 8 weeks of treatment, the study revealed that pregnant women with antenatal restless leg syndrome (RLS) responded better to stretching exercises (Group A) than to myofascial pain release (Group B). Initially, participants in both groups experienced moderate to severe pain and poor sleep quality. By the end of the study, Group A demonstrated significant improvement, with 9 out of 11 participants experiencing minimal pain and 8 out of 11 reporting greatly enhanced sleep quality. While Group B also improved, the results were less significant. This underscores the potential of stretching exercises as a more effective intervention for reducing pain and improving sleep in antenatal RLS.


Conclusion: Stretching exercises were found to be more effective than myofascial pain release in reducing pain and improving sleep quality among antenatal RLS patients. Given these findings, healthcare professionals are encouraged to consider stretching exercises as a preferred intervention for RLS symptoms during pregnancy.

Article Details

How to Cite
Rubab, H. I., Ghani, H. M., Wafa, H. S., Amon, & Nasir, M. F. (2024). Effects of Stretching Exercises and Myofascial Pain Release on Pain and Sleep Quality in Antenatal Restless Leg Syndrome. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 4(2), 194–199. https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i2.807
Section
Articles
Author Biographies

Hafiza Iqra Rubab, Riphah International University Lahore Pakistan.

Bu Ali Seena Clinic, Riphah International University, Lahore Pakistan.

Hafiza Muriam Ghani, Riphah International University Lahore Pakistan.

Senior Lecturer, Riphah International University, Lahore Pakistan.

Hafiza Sara Wafa, Riphah International University Pakistan.

Falah Institute of Nursing and AHS, Riphah International University Pakistan.

Amon, Riphah International University Pakistan.

Women's Health Physical Therapist, Riphah International University Pakistan.

Muhammad Farid Nasir, Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Pakistan.

Senior Physiotherapist, Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Pakistan.

References

Shaib F, Attarian HJPog-sm. Sex and gender differences in sleep disorders: an overview. 2023:661-79.

Ramesh G, Gerstbacher D, Arruda J, Golianu B, Mark J, Yeh AMJC. Pediatric integrative medicine in academia: Stanford Children’s experience. 2018;5(12):168.

Kassim MAK, Pantazi AC, Nori W, Tuta LA, Balasa AL, Mihai CM, et al. Non-pharmacological interventions for pain management in hemodialysis: a narrative review. 2023;12(16):5390.

Urits I, Callan J, Moore WC, Fuller MC, Renschler JS, Fisher P, et al. Cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain. 2020;34(3):409-26.

Mohiuddin AK. Non-drug pain management: opportunities to explore: Lap Lambert Academic Publishing; 2019.

Nori W, Kassim MAK, Helmi ZR, Pantazi AC, Brezeanu D, Brezeanu AM, et al. Non-pharmacological pain management in labor: a systematic review. 2023;12(23):7203.

Preston FG, Riley DR, Azmi S, Alam UJD, Metabolic Syndrome, Obesity. Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: practical guidance and challenges for clinical management. 2023:1595-612.

Lustberg MB, Kuderer NM, Desai A, Bergerot C, Lyman GHJNRCO. Mitigating long-term and delayed adverse events associated with cancer treatment: implications for survivorship. 2023;20(8):527-42.

Osborne C, Kolakowski M, Lobenstine D. Pre-And Perinatal Massage Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide to Prenatal, Labor and Postpartum Practice: Jessica Kingsley Publishers; 2021.

Frange C, Franco AM, Brasil E, Hirata RP, Lino JA, Mortari DM, et al. Practice recommendations for the role of physiotherapy in the management of sleep disorders: the 2022 Brazilian Sleep Association Guidelines. 2022;15(04):515-73.

Balogun JA. The Spectrum of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The Nigerian Healthcare System: Pathway to Universal and High-Quality Health Care: Springer; 2022. p. 153-212.

Innes KE, Selfe TK, Montgomery C, Hollingshead N, Huysmans Z, Srinivasan R, et al. 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. 2020;16(1):107-19.

Becker PM, Novak MJCmr, opinion. Diagnosis, comorbidities, and management of restless legs syndrome. 2014;30(8):1441-60.

MacKinnon AL, Madsen JW, Dhillon A, Keys E, Giesbrecht GF, Williamson T, et al. Sleeping for two: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in pregnant women. 2021;22(1):532.

Murawski B, Plotnikoff RC, Rayward AT, Vandelanotte C, Brown WJ, Duncan MJJBo. Randomised controlled trial using a theory-based m-health intervention to improve physical activity and sleep health in adults: the Synergy Study protocol. 2018;8(2):e018997.

Roddy MK, Walsh LM, Rothman K, Hatch SG, Doss BDJJoC, Psychology C. Meta-analysis of couple therapy: Effects across outcomes, designs, timeframes, and other moderators. 2020;88(7):583.

Moilanen KLJJoy, adolescence. The adolescent self-regulatory inventory: The development and validation of a questionnaire of short-term and long-term self-regulation. 2007;36:835-48.

Webb G, Shakeshaft A, Sanson‐Fisher R, Havard AJA. A systematic review of work‐place interventions for alcohol‐related problems. 2009;104(3):365-77.

Malinosky-Rummell R, Hansen DJJPb. Long-term consequences of childhood physical abuse. 1993;114(1):68.

Zucconi M, Galbiati A, Rinaldi F, Casoni F, Ferini-Strambi LJERoN. An update on the treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease: prospects and challenges. 2018;18(9):705-13.

Masa JF, Mokhlesi B, Benítez I, de Terreros FJG, Sánchez-Quiroga MÁ, Romero A, et al. Long-term clinical effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure therapy versus non-invasive ventilation therapy in patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome: a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial. 2019;393(10182):1721-32.

Song Y-Y, Hu R-J, Diao Y-S, Chen L, Jiang X-LJJop, management s. Effects of exercise training on restless legs syndrome, depression, sleep quality, and fatigue among hemodialysis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 2018;55(4):1184-95.

Nur A, Erika KA, Sinrang AWJJoIN. The Effect of Intradialysis Stretching Exercise on the Scale of Restless Leg Syndrome. 2018;3(2):16-24.

Jones KD, Liptan GLJRDC. Exercise interventions in fibromyalgia: clinical applications from the evidence. 2009;35(2):373-91.

Holmqvist M, Vincent N, Walsh KJSm. Web-vs telehealth-based delivery of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia: a randomized controlled trial. 2014;15(2):187-95.

Papadopoulos D, Papadoudis A, Kiagia M, Syrigos KJJop, management s. Nonpharmacologic interventions for improving sleep disturbances in patients with lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 2018;55(5):1364-81. e5.

Guay A, Houle M, O'Shaughnessy J, Descarreaux MJJoM, Therapeutics P. Current evidence on diagnostic criteria, relevant outcome measures, and efficacy of nonpharmacologic therapy in the management of restless legs syndrome (RLS): A scoping review. 2020;43(9):930-41.