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The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Restless Legs Syndrome in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Zahra Delshad, Mohammad Aghajani

Nurse Media: Journal of Nursing August 22, 2022 DOI: 10.14710/nmjn.v12i3.46307 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Randomized clinical trial Peer reviewed
Sample size 60
Population Hemodialysis patients with restless legs syndrome, aged 18-65, with at least 6 months of hemodialysis history
Intervention Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
Duration Eight sessions of the MBSR program
Measures International Restless Legs Syndrome Scale, Restless Legs Syndrome Severity Scale
Topics Meditation
Citations 2
Key findings MBSR produced a significant reduction in restless legs syndrome severity compared with routine care in hemodialysis patients: mean scores were 12.90 (SD 4.58) versus 22.27 (SD 4.19), with a large between-group effect size (Cohen's d 2.13). The authors suggest MBSR may be a promising treatment option, describing the findings as preliminary.

Abstract

Background: There is currently no definitive cure for restless legs syndrome (RLS), and the common treatments are only used to reduce symptoms. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is an intervention that has shown beneficial effects in many mental and physical disorders.Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effect of MBSR on RLS in hemodialysis patients.Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial involving 60 hemodialysis patients with RLS recruited by convenience sampling each group. Inclusion criteria were patients with RLS diagnosis, age 18-65, Hb>10, no cognitive disorders, ability to read and write, no vision or hearing problems, and history of hemodialysis ≥6 months. The intervention group received eight sessions of the MBSR program, and the control group received routine care in a government dialysis center. International Restless Legs Syndrome Scale and Restless Legs Syndrome Severity Scale were used to measure RLS. Statistical analyses were conducted using independent and pair t-test and ANCOVA.Results: Significant difference was found in the severity the RLS (Mean(SD) score) between the intervention group (12.90(4.58)) and the control group (22.27(4.19)) (95% CI:-11.66 to -7.08, p<0.0001). The effect size between groups was obtained based on Cohen’s d of 2.13.Conclusion: MBSR showed a significant reduction in the severity of RLS in hemodialysis patients. This preliminary study suggests that MBSR can be a promising treatment option in the management of RLS patients.

Comparable studies

Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment 2003 Randomized controlled trial n = 41
Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients 2000 Randomized controlled trial n = 145
Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults 2008 Randomized controlled trial n = 139
Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students 2007 Randomized controlled trial n = 40
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients 2004 Randomized controlled trial n = 73

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