Effects of PNF Stretching vs Conventional Physical Therapy on the Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome in Elderly Population.

Restless leg Syndrome (RLS) is a common condition in the elderly population,characterized byan uncontrollable urge to move the leg,often occuring in the evening or at night,which can significantly disturb sleep and daily activities(ADL).

Although various type of stretchings found to be effective on the symptoms of RLS,no study has specifically compared the effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation stretching technique versus conventional physical therapy on the symptoms of RLS and related sleep disturbances.This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the effectiveness of PNF stretching compared to conventional physical therapy,on the symptoms of RLS in elderly population.

OBJECTIVES:

Objectives of this study are:

1. To determine the effect of PNF stretching VS conventional physical therapy on the symptoms of Restless leg syndrome in elder population.
2. To determine the effect of PNF stretching VS conventional physical therapy on sleep disturbance related to restless leg syndrome in elder population.

HYPOTHESIS:

Alternate Hypothesis:

1. There is statistically significant difference between the effect of PNF stretching VS Conventional physical therapy on the symptoms of Restless leg syndrome in elder population.
2. There is statistically significant difference between the effect of PNF stretching VS conventional physical therapy on the sleep disturbance related to restless leg syndrome in elder population.

Null Hypothesis:

1. There is no statistically significant difference between the effect of PNF stretching VS conventional physical therapy on the symptoms of Restless leg syndrome in elder population.
2. There is no statistically significant difference between the effect of PNF stretching VS conventional physical therapy on sleep disturbance related to restless leg syndrome in elder population.

Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial

Clinical setting: Fauji foundation Hospital(Rehab Depart) Islamabad Healing Center. Study Duration: 1year

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 60 and above.
2. Both male and female.
3. Must fulfil the diagnostic criteria of primary restless leg syndrome.

Exclusion Criteria:

1.A history or underlying disease that would contribute to the syptoms of RLS.

Sampling Technique:Non probability purposive samping.

Data will be collected on demographics and general information. Data will be coollected using International Restless leg syndrome rating scale,Post-sleep questionnaire.

Experimental Group:This group will receive PNF stretching technique of Hold-relax with agonist contraction,outcome will measure before and after the treatment of 4 weeks.

Control Group:This group will receive conventional physical therapy,Outcome will measure before and after 4 weeks of treatment.

Data will be analyze through SPSS21 and data will be analyzed based on study design choosen that is Randomize control study with in the community.

The printed questionnaire will be provided to the patients after obtaining written consent and providing adequate information regarding the study,after which the data will be presented in the form of graphs or tables.

Significance of the study:

Although PNF stretching proves to be more effective in reducing pain increasing ROM and flexibility,but there is limited documentation about its effect on RLS.

This study aims to uncover and augument the treatment strategies that can wield even more favourable results in elder population dealing with Restless leg syndrome and also sleep disturbance related to it.

So it will aid therapist in choosing right technique saving their time and patient's investment.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 60 and above.
* Male \& Females both.
* must fulfill the diagnostic criteria of primary RLS.

Exclusion Criteria:

* A history or underlying disease that would contribute to the symptoms of RLS.