Non-pharmacological methods used in coping with restless leg syndrome (RLS): A systematic review

Abstract

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a sensory-motor problem characterized by an uncomfortable and unpleasant feeling that causes a strong and irresistible desire to move the legs, often during periods of inactivity during sleep. Published full-text studies including non-pharmacological interventions used in the management of restless leg syndrome constitute the data of the study. Data were collected from MEDLINE-Pubmed, Science Direct, CINAHL electronic databases. As a result of the search, a total of 10,453 articles were reached. The study sample included quasi-experimental, experimental, or randomized controlled trials, which were published in English, with non-pharmacological interventions used to cope with restless leg syndrome, with full text available without any year limitation. Therefore, the sample consisted of 25 research articles. Non-pharmacological interventions discussed in this study are acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, exercise, sleep hygiene training, near-infrared light therapy, vibration, and massage techniques. In our systematic review, it was found that non-pharmacological methods used to cope with RLS reduce RLS symptoms, RLS severity and mental health problems (depression, anxiety, stress, etc.), and increase quality of life and sleep quality. However, most of the studies we have reviewed are not randomized controlled studies and the sample group of most of them is small. Therefore, their results do not constitute sufficient evidence. In our study, it was recommended to conduct randomized controlled studies with large samples to cope with RLS.