Background and Objectives: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common, underdiagnosed neurological movement disorder of undetermined etiology. The primary treatments for restless legs syndrome are pharmacological. To date, no randomized controlled trials have examined the effectiveness of an exercise program on the symptoms of RLS.Methods: Study participants (N ؍ 41) were randomized to either exercise or control groups. 28 participants (average age 53.7; 39% males) were available and willing to begin the 12-week trial. The exercise group was prescribed a conditioning program of aerobic and lower-body resistance training 3 days per week. Restless legs symptoms were assessed by the International RLS Study Group (IRLSSG) severity scale and an ordinal scale of RLS severity at the beginning of the trial, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks.Results: Twenty-three participants completed the trial. At the end of the 12 weeks, the exercise group (N ؍ 11) had a significant improvement in symptoms compared with the control group (N ؍ 12) (P ؍ .001 for the IRLSSG severity scale and P < .001 for the ordinal scale).
Conclusions
Background and ObjectivesRestless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological movement disorder affecting a large segment of the population. Studies of the prevalence of RLS suggest the condition affects approximately 10% of the adult population, although one study found a prevalence of 24% in patients presenting to a primary care office.1-3 Although RLS is common, it is seldom diagnosed. The 2001 Sleep in America Poll found a prevalence of 13% in the adult population, but only 3% of those had actually been diagnosed with RLS. 4 Factors associated with higher incidence of RLS include older age, multiparity, sedentary lifestyle, positive family history, and obesity.1,2 Secondary causes of RLS include iron deficiency, renal failure, neuropathy, pregnancy, and certain medications. 5 RLS is associated with depression, anxiety, and negative quality of life. 6,7 The diagnosis of RLS is clinical. Minimal criteria for the diagnosis are: 1) a compelling urge to move the limbs, usually associated with paresthesias/dysesthesias; 2) motor restlessness as seen in activities such as floor pacing, tossing and turning in bed, and rubbing the legs; 3) symptoms worse or exclusively present at rest (ie, lying, sitting) with variable and temporary relief by activity; and 4) symptoms worse in the evening and at night. 8 RLS tends to cluster in older, overweight adults, 6,9,10 who are at increased risk for comorbid conditions. Physical activity and exercise may be important in the reduction of the risk for comorbid conditions; however, the effects of exercise on RLS severity are unknown. Furthermore, the current treatment for RLS is primarily pharmacological in nature. The vast majority of clinical trials have concentrated on the use of dopaminergic agents, anticonvulsants, and benzodiazepines.11-13 These agents often have significant side effects. Little research has been undertaken to determine whether lifestyle changes, ...
