Comparing Aerobic Exercise and Muscle Relaxation to Improve Sleep, Fatigue, Pain, and Quality of Life in Pregnant Women with Restless Leg Syndrome

What this Trial Is About

The trial investigates the effects of aerobic exercise versus progressive muscle relaxation on pregnant women diagnosed with Restless Leg Syndrome RLS during their second or third trimester. RLS is a neurological condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often with discomfort, disrupting sleep and quality of life. Due to limited drug options during pregnancy, the study aims to evaluate these two non-drug therapies to improve sleep quality, reduce fatigue and pain, and enhance overall quality of life. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group A will engage in supervised aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, cycling, and step-ups, at moderate intensity with heart rate monitoring, for 30 minutes per session, three times a week for eight weeks. Group B will undergo supervised progressive muscle relaxation sessions targeting 16 major muscle groups, with specific tension and relaxation phases, for 30 minutes per session, also three times a week for eight weeks. Both groups will receive conventional therapy alongside these interventions. Women in the study will be assessed at the start and end of the 8-week intervention period. Researchers will measure sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, fatigue levels with the Fatigue Severity Scale, pain intensity with a Visual Analogue Scale, and quality of life via the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Data will be collected and analyzed using SPSS software. This study is conducted at the Valencia Health Clinic in Lahore and sponsored by Riphah International University.

Comparative Effects of Aerobic and Muscle Relaxation Exercises in Pregnant Women With Restless Leg Syndrome