Impact of exercise training on fatigue, severity of nocturnal leg cramps, and sleep quality in chronic venous insufficiency

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise training on fatigue, nocturnal leg cramps, and sleep quality in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Patients and methods: A total of 42 patients with CVI (5 males, 37 females; mean age: 47.3±10.5 years; range, 25 to 67 years) were included in the study. The patients were randomly allocated to the exercise (n=21) group or control (n=21) group. The exercise group received stretching and strengthening exercises for the lower extremities for six weeks. The control group did not receive any exercise training. The severity of pain and leg cramps was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) was used to determine the severity of fatigue, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to determine the sleep quality. The assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of the study (Week 6). Results: The outcome measures of the two groups were comparable at baseline (p>0.05). Following exercise training, reduced severity of pain and leg cramps, as well as fatigue and improved sleep quality were observed in the exercise group (p<0.05). Control group showed an increase in the severity of leg cramps and a reduction in sleep quality (p<0.05). Conclusion: Exercise training reduces the severity of nocturnal leg cramps and leg fatigue and improves sleep quality. A regular exercise program can be a useful alternative treatment for the management of CVI symptoms.