Restless legs syndrome severity associated with reduced physical function in adults with multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Sleep Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) affects approximately 26% of adults with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
• RLS in MS patients may be associated with diminished physical function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between RLS symptom severity and physical function outcomes in adults with MS.
• To determine if RLS symptomology correlates with specific measures of physical performance.

Main Methods:

• 22 adults with MS and RLS participated in a single laboratory session.
• Assessments included the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group Scale (IRLS), Restless Legs Syndrome Scale-6 (RLS-6), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and Six-minute Walk Test (6MWT).

Main Results:

• Higher overall RLS severity (IRLS scores) showed strong negative associations with 6MWT distance (ρ = -0.50) and moderate associations with SPPB scores (ρ = -0.43).
• Daytime RLS severity demonstrated strong negative associations with 6MWT distance (ρ = -0.61) and SPPB scores (ρ = -0.52).
• No significant associations were found between RLS severity and EDSS scores.

Conclusions:

• Worse RLS severity, particularly during the day, is associated with reduced physical function in adults with MS.
• Effective management of RLS symptoms could potentially mitigate physical function decline in MS patients.