Abstract
Restless legs syndrome is a prevalent, sensorimotor sleep disorder temporarily relieved by movement, with evidence of symptomatic improvement with regular exercise. The present study describes perceptions of the effects of exercise on symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Participants (N = 528) completed a mixed-methods (i.e. numerical and narrative), nationwide survey including items assessing personal experiences with exercise and restless legs syndrome (both positive and negative), as well as restless legs syndrome diagnosis, restless legs syndrome severity, and demographic and clinical characteristics. Responses varied widely on specific experiences with exercise, but a higher percentage of participants indicated positive experiences with exercise than those who reported negative experiences (72%-40%, respectively) with exercise. Further, 54% of respondents reported that exercise only improves restless legs syndrome, while 24% reported exercise only worsens symptoms. Participants described that any abrupt change in exercise routine would almost always elicit restless legs syndrome symptoms (e.g. hiking for a long time, stopping an exercise routine), and that a consistent pattern of exercise improved restless legs syndrome symptoms with an overall beneficial effect on the frequency of symptomatic bouts. Participants further described time of day as impactful for their exercise experience, with > 50% indicating morning exercise improves symptoms and evening exercise worsens symptoms. Participants described several questions that they wanted answered regarding the evidence for exercise in restless legs syndrome and specific exercise prescription recommendations. The present study describes information crucial to the creation of stakeholder-informed health promotion programs for individuals with restless legs syndrome to optimize personalized treatment plans that could prevent and manage symptoms.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.