J Korean Clin Nurs Res.  2020 Dec;26(3):385-394. 10.22650/JKCNR.2020.26.3.385.

Effect of a Complex Leg Exercise Program for Hemodialysis Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome

• Ko SI
• Kang KJ

• KMID: 2510585
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22650/JKCNR.2020.26.3.385

Abstract

Purpose
This experimental study with nonequivalent control group and pre/post-tests aims to investigate the effects of a complex leg exercise program on severity of restless legs syndrome, sleep quality, depression, and physical performance in patients with maintenance hemodialysis.
Methods
Patients in the experimental group were provided with the leg exercise program three times a week for eight weeks, a total of 24times, through watching videos during hemodialysis from August 1, 2017 to October 25. The experimental group and control group consisted of 22 people each. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, x² test, Fisher's exact test, and independent t-test utilizing SPSS/WIN 22.0.
Results
After providing with the leg exercise program, these were level of restless legs syndrome and depression were significantly decreased in the experimental group (t=2.79, p=.032; t=0.53, p=.036, respectively). However, sleep quality and physical performance did not have significant difference between the two groups (t=0.02, p=.947; t=1.74, p=.957, respectively).
Conclusion
A complex leg exercise program appears to be beneficial in improving restless legs syndrome and depression in maintenance hemodialysis patients with restless legs syndrome.

Keyword

Hemodialysis; Restless Legs Syndrome; Exercise; Program