Article

There are few treatment options in managing restless legs syndrome (RLS); the most frequently used are dopaminergic drugs and movement. New treatment options
are highly sought after.
This study evaluated the effectiveness of monochromatic
near-infrared light treatment in decreasing symptoms associated with RLS.
The design used was 2x6 repeated-measures design with two groups (treatment and
control) and six repeated measures (baseline, weeks 1-4, and posttreatment). Data
collection took place in the university modalities laboratory. Thirty-four
volunteers with symptoms of RLS were randomly assigned to a treatment or control
group. Over a 4-week period subjects underwent twelve 30-min treatments to their
lower legs with near-infrared light. The International RLS rating scale (IRLS)
was used to assess and track patient symptoms. There was a steady decrease in
symptoms associated with RLS over the 4 weeks in the treatment group. After 4
weeks of treatment the treatment group had a significantly greater improvement in
restless legs syndrome symptoms than the control group (p<0.001); improvement was
still significant after 4 weeks posttreatment compared to baseline (p<0.001).
Treatment with near-infrared light does decrease symptoms associated with RLS as
demonstrated in lower IRLS scores. This new noninvasive method of treating RLS
might become a valuable new management option. More research is needed to
determine the mechanism(s) behind infrared light treatment and RLS.
- SYNDROME DES JAMBES SANS REPOS

Langue : ANGLAIS