Effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique on Severity of Restless Legs Syndrome Among Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis

Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS), is one of several complications that patients on
hemodialysis suffer from, it is a neurological sensory motor disorder, causing sleep disturbances,
and other problems, which lead to daily functioning impairment. Progressive muscle relaxation is
one of the complementary therapies that have been shown to provide benefits, including relieved
restless legs syndrome, reducing patients’ stress, pain and anxiety. Aim of the study was to
evaluate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation on the severity of restless legs syndrome
among patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Research design: A quasi experimental (time series)
research design was utilized, included control comparison group. Setting: The research was carried
out at the hemodialysis unit, Al - Moassat Alexandria University Hospital. Subjects: A purposive
sample of 60 adult patients, diagnosed with end stage renal failure on maintenance hemodialysis,
and suffering from restless legs syndrome were selected. They were equally divided into two groups
of 30 patients. Tools of data collection: Three tools were used for data collection; Hemodialysis
patients Structured Interview Schedule (tool I), International Restless Legs Syndrome Severity
Rating Scale (tool II), and Restless Leg Syndrome Assessment Sheet (tool III). Results: The
severity of restless legs syndrome significantly decreased in the study group, with a percent
reduction of 38.89% at the 6th session and 61.11% at the12th session, such decrease was not found
among the control group patients. In addition to, there was a percent reduction and improvement of
sleep pattern, physical activities, emotional well- being and social activities among the study group
patients after completion of 12th PMR session (46.67 %, 57.78 %, 63.33 % ,55.56 % respectively).
Conclusion: Progressive muscle relaxation technique had high statistical significant positive effects
on severity of restless legs syndrome, improving sleep pattern, physical activity, emotional well-
being and social activities. Recommendations: Progressive muscle relaxation must be implemented
in the therapeutic routine management to help alleviate the severity of restless legs syndrome
symptoms among patients on maintenance hemodialysis.