Effects of Static Stretching and Strength Training on Antenatal Restless Leg Syndrome

Effects of Statics Stretching With and Without Strength Training on Symptom Severity, Fatigue and Sleep Quality in Antenatal Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a prevalent sensorimotor disorder affecting pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester, and is associated with sleep disturbances, fatigue and reduced quality of life. Non-pharmacological strategies such as stretching and strength training offer promising alternatives during pregnancy. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of static stretching alone and static stretching combined with strength training on sleep quality, symptom severity and fatigue in antenatal women with RLS.

Thirty pregnant women meeting the diagnostic criteria for RLS will be recruited from National Hospital and medical center and randomly assigned into two groups. Group A will receive static stretching exercises, while Group B will receive static stretching and lower limb strength training exercises for 6 weeks, three sessions per week. Data will be analyzed using SPSS, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a prevalent sensorimotor disorder affecting pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester and is associated with sleep disturbances, fatigue and reduced quality of life. Although pharmacological treatments are limited during pregnancy due to safety concerns, non-pharmacological strategies such as stretching and strength training offer promising alternatives. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate and compare the effects of static stretching alone and static stretching combined with strength training on sleep quality, symptom severity and fatigue in antenatal women diagnosed with RLS. A total of 30 pregnant women in their second or third trimester, meeting the diagnostic criteria for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), will be recruited for the study. The data will be collected from National Hospital and medical center and participants will be randomly assigned into two equal groups. Group A will receive a static stretching exercise regimen, while Group B will receive both static stretching and lower limb strength training exercises. The intervention will be carried out over a 6-week period, with three supervised sessions per week. Data will be analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics will summarize demographic details. Paired t-tests or non-parametric tests will compare baseline and post-intervention scores using validated tools: IRLS-RS, PSQI, and FSS. A p-value < 0.05 will indicate statistical significance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant women aged 18-35 years.
• Gestational age between 24 and 32 weeks.
• Diagnosed with RLS based on the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) criteria.
• Experiencing sleep disturbances and fatigue related to RLS.

Exclusion Criteria:

• High-risk pregnancies or obstetric complications.
• Pre-existing neurological or musculoskeletal disorders.
• Engagement in regular exercise routines prior to the study.
• Contraindications to exercise as determined by a healthcare provider.