Abstract
Introduction: Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a common sensory disturbance in hemodialysis
patients causing mental disorders, sleep disturbances, and other problems.
Objectives: This study compared the effects of massage and vibration on sleep quality and
severity of symptoms of RLS in hemodialysis patients.
Patients and Methods: This cross-over clinical trial was conducted on 80 hemodialysis
patients with RLS who were assigned into two groups randomly. The first group received
massage and the second group received vibration. Each group received the related intervention
for one month three times per week each session lasting 10 minutes. One month after the
first intervention, the interventions were changed in a cross-over design between the two
groups. The severity of symptoms of RLS and sleep quality were assessed before and after
interventions using the related questionnaire.
Results: The means of severity of symptoms of RLS and sleep quality showed a significant
improvement after both interventions of vibration and massage (P<0.001). Additionally, a
significant difference was observed in the means of severity of RLS and sleep quality after
interventions between two groups hence vibration exerted a greater effect on improving the
symptoms of RLS and sleep quality in patients compared to massage (P=0.001).
Conclusion: Our findings suggested that both vibration and massage reduce the mean of
severity of RLS and improve sleep quality in hemodialysis patients, with vibration exerting a
greater effect compared to massage.