title: The effects of two methods of reflexology and stretching exercises on the severity of restless leg syndrome among hemodialysis patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Restless leg syndrome prevalence is high among the patients undergoing hemodialysis. Due to several side effects of medicational treatments, the patients prefer non-medicational methods. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of two methods of reflexology and stretching exercises on the severity of restless leg syndrome among patients undergoing hemodialysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study is a randomized clinical trial that was done on 90 qualified patients undergoing hemodialysis in selected hospitals of Isfahan, who were diagnosed with restless leg syndrome through standard restless leg syndrome questionnaire. They were randomly assigned by random number table to three groups: Reflexology, stretching exercises, and control groups through random allocation. Foot reflexology and stretching exercises were conducted three times a week for 30-40 min within straight 4 weeks. Data analysis was performed by SPSS version 18 using descriptive and inferential statistical analyses [one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), paired t-test, and least significant difference (LSD) post hoc test].
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant difference in the mean scores of restless leg syndrome severity between reflexology and stretching exercises groups, compared to control (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between the two study groups (P < 0.001). Changes in the mean score of restless leg syndrome severity were significantly higher in reflexology and stretching exercises groups compared to the control group (P < 0.001), but it showed no significant difference between reflexology massage and stretching exercises groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our obtained results showed that reflexology and stretching exercises can reduce the severity of restless leg syndrome. These two methods of treatment are recommended to the patients.
authors.affiliation: Kidney Disease Research Center, Department of Critical Care Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Nahid
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shahgholian
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Instructor of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Shahrzad Khojandi
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Jazi
authors.affiliation: PhD, Department of Information Management, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Jahangir
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Karimian
authors.affiliation: Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Mahboubeh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Valiani
keywords: Hemodialysis; Iran; massage; muscle stretching exercises; patients undergoing hemodialysis; reflexology massage; restless leg syndrome; stretching exercises