Comparison the effect of two methods of reflexology massage and stretching exercises on the severity of restless leg syndrome among patients undergoing hemodialysis

Restless leg syndrome is a sensory and motor neurologic disorder, which manifests as high tendency to move the legs. Its prevalence is high among the patients undergoing hemodialysis, and it increases the risk of mortality in these patients. Due to several side effects of medicational treatments, the patients prefer non-medicational methods. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of two methods of reflexology massage and stretching exercises on the severity of restless leg syndrome among patients undergoing hemodialysis. This is a clinical trial. Among the patients undergoing hemodialysis in selected hospitals in Isfahan, 90 qualified patients, diagnosed with restless leg syndrome through standard restless leg syndrome questionnaire, were randomly selected by random number table. They were assigned to reflexology massage, stretching exercises and control groups through random allocation. Reflexology massage and stretching exercises were conducted three times a week for 30-40 minutes for four straight weeks. Data were analyzed by one way ANOVA paired t-test and LSD post hoc test through SPSS 20. There was a significant difference in mean scores of restless leg syndrome severity between reflexology massage and stretching exercises groups, compared to control (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference between two study groups (p<0.05). Changes mean score of restless leg syndrome severity was significantly higher in reflexology massage and stretching exercises groups, compared to control group (p<0.05), but it showed no significant difference between reflexology massage and stretching exercises groups (p>0.05). Our obtained results showed that reflexology massage and stretching exercises can reduce restless leg syndrome severity. These two methods of treatment are recommended to the patients.