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Published on: November 11, 2022
Pilot testing a stretching regimen for prevention of night time nocturnal leg cramps
Joannes Hallegraeff1, Mathieu de Greef2
1Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, the Netherlands; SOMT University of Physiotherapy, Amersfoort, the Netherlands.
Abstract:
Nocturnal leg cramps (NLC) are painful, involuntary muscle contractions that affect the quality of sleep. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a stretching regimen in frail older adults aged over 75 years with NLC. The experimental group (n = 15) received an intervention, which they were instructed to perform three daily exercises to stretch the calves and hamstrings. After six weeks, frequency and pain intensity of NLC were both significantly decreased in the experimental group compared to the control group. A paired samples t-test reveals a statistically significant decrease in cramp frequency (t = 2.2, df 28, P = 0.04) and cramp intensity (t = 2.7, df 28, P = 0.01). Therefore, a six-week stretching regimen is likely to reduce the frequency and pain intensity of NLC in frail older adults aged over 75 years.
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