STUDY OF EFFICACY OF PHYSIOTHERAPY MODALITIES IN RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME

Abstract

RLS is a typical neurological disorder that is characterised by an irresistible and uncontrolled desire to move the lower extremities, typically accompanied by uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations. These symptoms often get worse during the periods of rest or when the person is inactive, specifically in the evening or at night, causing sleep disruptions and a reduction in their life’s quality. The prevalence of RLS varies globally, with an estimation range from 2.5% to 15% in the general population, and it is more commonly found in women and older adults, which impacts their quality of sleep and also disrupts their sleep patterns. Therefore, there is a compelling and an evident need for effective, sustainable as well as safe treatment modalities that can be widely applicable among all age groups. Conventional management of RLS primarily involves pharmacological approaches like: dopamine agonists, anticonvulsants, opioids, and benzodiazepines. Although these medications can help alleviating the symptoms, they are seldom associated with adverse effects like: nausea, dizziness, augmentation (worsening of symptoms), and dependency. Subsequently, there is a rapidly growing interest in non-pharmacological approaches, specifically physiotherapy modalities, as the adjunctive treatments for RLS. Interventions such as aerobic and resistance exercise, stretching exercises, massage therapy, yoga, TENS, and thermal therapy (hot fomentation) have shown efficacy in reducing RLS symptoms. These interventions are cost-effective, accessible to everyone and also, free from serious side effects, which makes them valuable and reliable in managing chronic cases of RLS.

This study analyses the efficacy of various physiotherapy modalities in managing RLS symptoms, primarily focusing on non-pharmacological interventions like: aerobic and resistance exercises, stretching, massage therapy, yoga, and thermal therapies as well. By the assessment of the impacts caused by these above mentioned interventions, this study mainly aims to provide the benefits of these interventions on the symptoms of RLS. Moreover, this study has also compared the effectiveness of different types of modalities and identified the most reliable treatment approaches based on the outcomes of clinical study.