Restless Leg Syndrome in PregnancyNCT07628387
Comparative Effects of Aerobic and Muscle Relaxation Exercises in Pregnant Women With Restless Leg Syndrome
A study testing aerobic exercises and progressive muscle relaxation in people with Restless Leg Syndrome in Pregnancy, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study will be a randomized controlled trial and will be conducted in the Gynecology and Physiotherapy departments of Valencia Health Clinic, Lahore. Non-probability purposive sampling will be used to collect data. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 40 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Restless Leg Syndrome in Pregnancy
- What is being tested?
- aerobic exercises and progressive muscle relaxation
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2025to 1 Jul 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 to 40 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Pregnant women diagnosed with Restless Leg Syndrome based on clinical criteria.
- Gestational age between 20 to 34 weeks.
- Age range between 20-40 years.
- Experiencing moderate to severe sleep disturbance as per Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI score >5).
- Complaints of fatigue and generalized discomfort during pregnancy.
Who cannot join
- High-risk pregnancy or obstetric complications (e.g., preeclampsia, placenta previa).
- History of neurological or musculoskeletal disorders unrelated to pregnancy.
- Any psychiatric disorder or currently taking sedative medications.
- History of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or thyroid dysfunction.
- Participation in any structured exercise program or physiotherapy within the last 3 months.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Valencia health clinic
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54770
Sadia Gulzar, MSWHPT
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Aerobic and Muscle Relaxation Exercises to Improve Sleep Quality, Fatigue Level, Pain Intensity and Quality of Life in Pregnant Women With Restless Leg Syndrome
This study will be a randomized controlled trial and will be conducted in the Gynecology and Physiotherapy departments of Valencia Health Clinic, Lahore. Non-probability purposive sampling will be used to collect data. A total of 40 pregnant women aged between 20-35 years, in their 2nd or 3rd trimester and clinically diagnosed with RLS, will be included after fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria and giving informed consent. Subjects will be randomly divided into two groups using a random number generator table. Group A will receive supervised aerobic exercises for 8 weeks while Group B will undergo progressive muscle relaxation sessions of 20- 25 minutes, also 3 times a week for 8-weeks. Both groups will be assessed at baseline and after the 8-week intervention.
Read the detailed description
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that often worsens during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters. It is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often accompanied by discomfort or pain, and is known to disrupt sleep, increase fatigue, and negatively affect the quality of life. Pharmacological treatments for RLS during pregnancy are limited due to safety concerns, creating a need for effective, non-drug interventions. Aerobic exercise and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) are two physiotherapeutic approaches that have shown promise in improving sleep quality and reducing discomfort in various populations, but limited evidence exists regarding their impact on pregnant women with RLS. This study will be a randomized controlled trial and will be conducted in the Gynecology and Physiotherapy departments of Valencia Health Clinic, Lahore. Non-probability purposive sampling will be used to collect data. A total of 40 pregnant women aged between 20-35 years, in their 2nd or 3rd trimester and clinically diagnosed with RLS, will be included after fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria and giving informed consent. Subjects will be randomly divided into two groups using a random number generator table. Group A will receive supervised aerobic exercises (brisk walking, cycling, step-ups, etc.) 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Group B will undergo progressive muscle relaxation sessions of 20- 25 minutes, also 3 times a week for 8-weeks. Both groups will be assessed at baseline and after the 8-week intervention. Outcome measures will be evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for sleep, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and WHOQOL-BREF for quality of life. Data analysis will be performed using SPSS version 26.
- Conditions
- Restless Leg Syndrome in Pregnancy
- Being tested
- aerobic exercises, progressive muscle relaxation
- Keywords
- restless leg syndrome, pregnancy, Sleep quality of life, Fatigue, Pain, Muscle Relaxation
- Medical subject headings
- Restless Legs Syndrome, Fatigue, Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
aerobic exercisesOther
Participants in Group A will receive supervised aerobic exercise in addition to conventional therapy. Mode: Treadmill walking or stationary cycling (based on participant preference and safety). Intensity: Moderate intensity at 50-60% of maximum heart rate (HRmax), calculated as HRmax = 220 - age. Duration: 30 minutes per session. Frequency: 3 sessions per week. Total Duration: 8 weeks. Monitoring: Heart rate monitors will be used to ensure target heart rate is maintained. Each session will be supervised by a qualified physiotherapist. Warm-up and Cool-down: 5-minute warm-up and 5-minute cool-down before and after each session.
progressive muscle relaxationOther
Participants in Group B will receive supervised progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) in addition to conventional therapy. Muscle Groups: 16 major muscle groups will be targeted sequentially, including feet, calves, thighs, hips, abdomen, chest, arms, hands, shoulders, neck, jaw, eyes, forehead, and face. Technique: Each muscle group will be tensed for 5-7 seconds followed by relaxation for 20-30 seconds. Duration: 30 minutes per session. Frequency: 3 sessions per week. Total Duration: 8 weeks.
Monitoring: Sessions will be conducted under supervision to ensure proper technique and participant comfort.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| aerobic exercises | Active comparator | supervised aerobic exercises (brisk walking, cycling, step-ups, etc.) 3 times a week for 8 weeks Receives: Other: aerobic exercises |
| progressive muscle relaxation | Experimental | progressive muscle relaxation sessions of 20- 25 minutes, also 3 times a week for 8-weeks. Receives: Other: progressive muscle relaxation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
Sleep quality will be assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). This self-rated questionnaire evaluates sleep quality over a 1-month period. It includes 19 items generating seven component scores: subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleeping medication, and daytime dysfunction. These components are summed to yield a global PSQI score ranging from 0 to 21. A score greater than 5 indicates poor sleep quality. (39)
Measured: 8 weeks
Fatigue Severity Scale
Fatigue levels will be assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). The scale includes 9 statements rated on a 7-point Likert scale, where higher scores indicate greater fatigue severity.
The scale focuses on the impact of fatigue on motivation, exercise, physical functioning, and social life.
Measured: 8 weeks
Numerical Pain Rating Scale
Pain intensity will be measured using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), a scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Participants will rate their average pain during the past week.
Measured: 8 weeks
WHOQOL-BREF (Quality of Life)
Quality of life will be assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. It consists of 26 items covering four domains: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment. Higher scores represent better quality of life.
Measured: 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted5 Jun 2026
- Study start1 Oct 2025
- Primary completion1 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Jul 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (5)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Restless Leg Syndrome in PregnancyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Hafiza Iqra Rubab, MSWHPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07628387
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/25/0511
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 1 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 5 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Mislu E, Assalfew B, Arage MW, Chane F, Hailu T, Tenaw LA, Kidie AA, Kumsa H. Prevalence and factors associated with restless legs syndrome among pregnant women in middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Med (Lausanne). 2023 Dec 21;10:1326337. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1326337. eCollection 2023.
PubMed 38188334Dewald-Kaufmann J, de Bruin E, Michael G. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in School-Aged Children and Adolescents. Sleep Med Clin. 2022 Sep;17(3):355-365. doi: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2022.06.003.
PubMed 36150799Luo Y, Du J, Wang J, Liu P, Shi Z, He Y, Che G, Huang K, Wang J. Progressive muscle relaxation alleviates anxiety and improves sleep quality among healthcare practitioners in a mobile cabin hospital: a pre-post comparative study in China. Front Psychol. 2024 Apr 30;15:1337318. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1337318. eCollection 2024.
PubMed 38746917Sweet L, O'Driscoll K, Blums T, Sommeling M, Kolar R, Teale G, Wynter K. Relationships are the key to a successful publicly funded homebirth program, a qualitative study. Women Birth. 2023 Jul;36(4):377-384. doi: 10.1016/j.wombi.2022.12.005. Epub 2023 Jan 4.
PubMed 36604197Khan IA, Khan M, Raza F, Sheikh MLJMJoN. Enhancing Management of Restless Legs Syndrome through Complementary Physical Therapy: Toward Better Outcomes in a Distressing Sensorimotor Disorder. 2025;9(1):1-17.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Aerobic and Muscle Relaxation Exercises to Improve Sleep Quality, Fatigue Level, Pain Intensity and Quality of Life in Pregnant Women With Restless Leg Syndrome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07628387
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/25/0511
- Conditions
- Restless Leg Syndrome in Pregnancy
- Keywords
- restless leg syndrome, pregnancy, Sleep quality of life, Fatigue, Pain, Muscle Relaxation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 5 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study will be a randomized controlled trial and will be conducted in the Gynecology and Physiotherapy departments of Valencia Health Clinic, Lahore. Non-probability purposive sampling will be used to collect data. A total of 40 pregnant women aged between 20-35 years, in their 2nd or 3rd trimester and clinically diagnosed with RLS, will be included after fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria and giving informed consent. Subjects will be randomly divided into two groups using a random number generator table. Group A will receive supervised aerobic exercises for 8 weeks while Group B will undergo progressive muscle relaxation sessions of 20- 25 minutes, also 3 times a week for 8-weeks. Both groups will be assessed at baseline and after the 8-week intervention.
Detailed description
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that often worsens during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters. It is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often accompanied by discomfort or pain, and is known to disrupt sleep, increase fatigue, and negatively affect the quality of life. Pharmacological treatments for RLS during pregnancy are limited due to safety concerns, creating a need for effective, non-drug interventions. Aerobic exercise and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) are two physiotherapeutic approaches that have shown promise in improving sleep quality and reducing discomfort in various populations, but limited evidence exists regarding their impact on pregnant women with RLS. This study will be a randomized controlled trial and will be conducted in the Gynecology and Physiotherapy departments of Valencia Health Clinic, Lahore. Non-probability purposive sampling will be used to collect data. A total of 40 pregnant women aged between 20-35 years, in their 2nd or 3rd trimester and clinically diagnosed with RLS, will be included after fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria and giving informed consent. Subjects will be randomly divided into two groups using a random number generator table. Group A will receive supervised aerobic exercises (brisk walking, cycling, step-ups, etc.) 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Group B will undergo progressive muscle relaxation sessions of 20- 25 minutes, also 3 times a week for 8-weeks. Both groups will be assessed at baseline and after the 8-week intervention. Outcome measures will be evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for sleep, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and WHOQOL-BREF for quality of life. Data analysis will be performed using SPSS version 26.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| aerobic exercises | Active comparator | Other: aerobic exercisessupervised aerobic exercises (brisk walking, cycling, step-ups, etc.) 3 times a week for 8 weeks |
| progressive muscle relaxation | Experimental | Other: progressive muscle relaxationprogressive muscle relaxation sessions of 20- 25 minutes, also 3 times a week for 8-weeks. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 40 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Pregnant women diagnosed with Restless Leg Syndrome based on clinical criteria.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- High-risk pregnancy or obstetric complications (e.g., preeclampsia, placenta previa).
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| aerobic exercisesParticipants in Group A will receive supervised aerobic exercise in addition to conventional therapy. Mode: Treadmill walking or stationary cycling (based on participant preference and safety). Intensity: Moderate intensity at 50-60% of maximum heart rate (HRmax), calculated as HRmax = 220 - age. Duration: 30 minutes per session. Frequency: 3 sessions per week. Total Duration: 8 weeks. Monitoring: Heart rate monitors will be used to ensure target heart rate is maintained. Each session will be supervised by a qualified physiotherapist. Warm-up and Cool-down: 5-minute warm-up and 5-minute cool-down before and after each session. | Other | aerobic exercises |
| progressive muscle relaxationParticipants in Group B will receive supervised progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) in addition to conventional therapy. Muscle Groups: 16 major muscle groups will be targeted sequentially, including feet, calves, thighs, hips, abdomen, chest, arms, hands, shoulders, neck, jaw, eyes, forehead, and face. Technique: Each muscle group will be tensed for 5-7 seconds followed by relaxation for 20-30 seconds. Duration: 30 minutes per session. Frequency: 3 sessions per week. Total Duration: 8 weeks. Monitoring: Sessions will be conducted under supervision to ensure proper technique and participant comfort. | Other | progressive muscle relaxation |
Primary outcome
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
Time frame: 8 weeks
Sleep quality will be assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). This self-rated questionnaire evaluates sleep quality over a 1-month period. It includes 19 items generating seven component scores: subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleeping medication, and daytime dysfunction. These components are summed to yield a global PSQI score ranging from 0 to 21. A score greater than 5 indicates poor sleep quality. (39)
Fatigue Severity Scale
Time frame: 8 weeks
Fatigue levels will be assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). The scale includes 9 statements rated on a 7-point Likert scale, where higher scores indicate greater fatigue severity. The scale focuses on the impact of fatigue on motivation, exercise, physical functioning, and social life.
Numerical Pain Rating Scale
Time frame: 8 weeks
Pain intensity will be measured using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), a scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Participants will rate their average pain during the past week.
WHOQOL-BREF (Quality of Life)
Time frame: 8 weeks
Quality of life will be assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. It consists of 26 items covering four domains: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment. Higher scores represent better quality of life.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 5 Jun 2026.
- Background: PubMed 38188334Mislu E, Assalfew B, Arage MW, Chane F, Hailu T, Tenaw LA, Kidie AA, Kumsa H. Prevalence and factors associated with restless legs syndrome among pregnant women in middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Med (Lausanne). 2023 Dec 21;10:1326337. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1326337. eCollection 2023.
- Background: PubMed 36150799Dewald-Kaufmann J, de Bruin E, Michael G. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in School-Aged Children and Adolescents. Sleep Med Clin. 2022 Sep;17(3):355-365. doi: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2022.06.003.
- Background: PubMed 38746917Luo Y, Du J, Wang J, Liu P, Shi Z, He Y, Che G, Huang K, Wang J. Progressive muscle relaxation alleviates anxiety and improves sleep quality among healthcare practitioners in a mobile cabin hospital: a pre-post comparative study in China. Front Psychol. 2024 Apr 30;15:1337318. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1337318. eCollection 2024.
- Background: PubMed 36604197Sweet L, O'Driscoll K, Blums T, Sommeling M, Kolar R, Teale G, Wynter K. Relationships are the key to a successful publicly funded homebirth program, a qualitative study. Women Birth. 2023 Jul;36(4):377-384. doi: 10.1016/j.wombi.2022.12.005. Epub 2023 Jan 4.
- BackgroundKhan IA, Khan M, Raza F, Sheikh MLJMJoN. Enhancing Management of Restless Legs Syndrome through Complementary Physical Therapy: Toward Better Outcomes in a Distressing Sensorimotor Disorder. 2025;9(1):1-17.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Hafiza Iqra Rubab, MSWHPT principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing aerobic exercises and progressive muscle relaxation in people with Restless Leg Syndrome in Pregnancy, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Imran Amjad, PhD (03324390125, imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (time frame: 8 weeks). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07628387, which also lists 5 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 5 Jun 2026.