Exercises for Restless Leg Syndrome

Exercises for restless leg syndrome have relatively little clinical backing, but a few studies have found that exercise may alleviate symptoms of the condition.

Can vinegar treat RLS?

RLS is a neurological movement disorder that affects a person's ability to rest. The primary symptom of RLS is the presence of involuntary movements that occur when the individual is at rest. Since the neurological disorder involves movement, some believe that exercise can alleviate the problem.

Restless leg syndrome treatments mostly rely on pharmaceutical interventions. Exercises offer a complementary approach to treating the condition that may lessen the patient's need for medication. This is a welcomed change considering the side effects that some medications have.

Exercise may be effective in addressing the symptoms of the disorder, especially in cases that involve sedentary lifestyles. The release of tension built up in the muscles may alleviate the urge to move while at rest. No scientific evidence supports this notion.

Stress may play a role in the sleep problem as well. Some people who have RLS indicate that their movement symptoms become worse during stressful times. Exercise is a natural stress reliever that may provide relief in some cases.

Aerobics are naturally helpful in improving circulation and in reducing stress. People who have problems sleeping in general can benefit from engaging in moderate aerobic workouts on a regular basis. Aerobic programs that may be effective in treating RLS include:

• Walking
• Water aerobics
• Swimming
• Elliptical machines
• Bicycling

Lower body resistance training may be effective in treating the sleep disorder. Exercises that patients can consider include:

• Equipment Exercises
  • Horizontal leg presses work the legs and the buttocks using a weight machine.
  • Leg curls are weight bearing exercises for the hamstrings that also require gym equipment.
  • Leg extensions work the quadriceps as the exerciser lifts weight using the muscles in the thighs.
  • Rotary calf presses are done in a seated position with weight pushed using the calf muscles.
  • Hip adduction and abduction can be done using resistance bands while you are in a seated position.

• Exercises Without Equipment
  • Squats
  • Lunges
  • Calf raises
  • Donkey kicks

Some of the exercises can be dangerous if you do not use appropriate form and posturing. A trainer can help you to become familiar with using gym equipment correctly to ensure that you do not sustain any injuries.

Consistency is important, and in order to achieve a regular exercise regimen, it is necessary to work out in moderation. A person who engages in extreme workouts is less likely to follow through on a consistent basis. In addition, excessive or strenuous exercise can exacerbate the symptoms of RLS in some cases.

Exercising in excess can lead to muscle cramps that occur during sleep. The cramping can be quite painful and it is every bit as disruptive as the RLS.

Few clinical trials offer insight into the effectiveness of exercising to alleviate the symptoms of RLS. The study, Exercise and Restless Leg Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial, examined the effectiveness of engaging in specific exercises in treating restless leg syndrome.

The clinical trial used a control group that did not engage in exercise as well as participants who followed a routine regularly. People who engaged in the workouts found relief from their symptoms. The trial concludes that exercises can be effective as an augmentative treatment for the condition.

More research is necessary to determine how well this approach works. The randomized clinical trial suggests that future studies should be larger, as well as specifics about the workout programs:

• Which specific exercises are the most effective?
• How long should each workout last?
• How frequently should patients engage in the activities?
• Can medications be reduced while using exercise to treat RLS?

Exercises for restless leg syndrome are still under investigation, but they are very promising. It is necessary to alert your doctor before engaging in any exercise program, especially programs that involve weight-training machines. Discussing this complementary approach with a physician can help determine whether this approach is appropriate or not.

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