Siewert J, Kubasch J, Brinkhaus B, Teut M, Jansen E
Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, The Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin, Germany.
Front Med (Lausanne). 2025 Sep 1;12:1607307. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1607307. eCollection 2025.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) has a negative impact on quality of life and remains challenging to treat. This study explored the subjective experiences of individuals using two self-managed, non-pharmacological interventions-hydrotherapy and acupressure-for RLS, focusing on their perceived benefits, challenges, and feasibility in everyday life.
Within a three-armed randomized study we conducted qualitative interviews in both intervention groups. The semi-structured interviews were coded and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Coding followed both an inductive approach, grounded in the data, and a deductive approach, guided by the study objectives. Data analysis was carried out using MAXQDA® software.
A total of 12 telephone interviews (six per intervention group) were qualitatively analyzed. Participants had a mean age of 65 years (range 35-75). Six themes emerged: prior experiences, motivation, study document perception, treatment integration, perceived impact, and post-intervention use. Both groups reported symptom and sleep improvements. Increased mindfulness was more common in the acupressure group. Hydrotherapy participants noted sensory effects but also discomfort and time barriers. Both interventions were seen as practical, with acupressure being perceived as easier to apply.
Participants of both groups reported varying degrees of RLS symptom improvement. High-quality confirmatory RCTs are needed to investigate the effectiveness of acupressure and hydrotherapy, with a focusing on practical implementation and the need for comprehensive, continuous guidance. Treatments in RLS should be location-independent to improve both participation and outcomes. Future research should further explore individualized adaptations and contextual factors influencing treatment experience and effectiveness.
Identifier DRKS00029960.
不安腿综合征（RLS）对生活质量有负面影响，治疗起来仍然具有挑战性。本研究探讨了使用两种自我管理的非药物干预措施——水疗和指压疗法——治疗RLS的个体的主观体验，重点关注他们感知到的益处、挑战以及在日常生活中的可行性。
在一项三臂随机研究中，我们对两个干预组进行了定性访谈。采用反思性主题分析法对这些半结构化访谈进行编码和分析。编码既采用基于数据的归纳法，也采用以研究目标为导向的演绎法。使用MAXQDA®软件进行数据分析。
总共对12次电话访谈（每个干预组6次）进行了定性分析。参与者的平均年龄为65岁（范围35 - 75岁）。出现了六个主题：既往经历、动机、对研究文件的认知、治疗融入、感知到的影响以及干预后使用情况。两个组均报告症状和睡眠有所改善。指压疗法组中增强正念更为常见。水疗参与者提到了感官效果，但也有不适和时间障碍。两种干预措施都被认为具有实用性，指压疗法被认为更容易实施。
两个组的参与者均报告RLS症状有不同程度的改善。需要高质量的验证性随机对照试验来研究指压疗法和水疗的有效性，重点关注实际实施情况以及对全面、持续指导的需求。RLS的治疗应不受地点限制，以提高参与度和治疗效果。未来的研究应进一步探索影响治疗体验和效果的个性化调整及背景因素。
标识符DRKS00029960。
