Kinesiotape Versus Compression Stockings on Pregnant Leg Cramps and Sleep Quality

Effect of kinesiotape versus compression stockings on leg cramps and sleep quality in pregnant women A Randomized controlled trial

• Control group (Other): Receive instructions about dealing with leg cramps at bedtime as sustained stretch,massage and optimal sleeping position
• Kinesiotape group (Other): Application of kinesiology tape to the lower leg muscles for 48 hours, applied twice a week for 4 weeks, in addition to standard instructions for managing leg cramps at bedtime
• Compression stockings group (Other): Use of graduated compression stockings worn daily for a period of 4 weeks, in addition to standard instructions for managing leg cramps at bedtime.

Primary outcomes

• Muscle cramp characteristics measured using The Cramp Questionnaire [Baseline and after4weeks]: Change in leg cramp frequency assessed using the Leg Cramp Questionnaire. Higher scores indicate greater cramp frequency.
• Leg cramp pain intensty measured using visual analogue scale [Baseline and after4weeks]: Pain intensity using visual analogue scale 0=no pain,10=wirst pain

Secondary outcomes

• Sleep quality measured using sleep quality index [Baseline and after4weeks]: Sleep quality assesed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index score range 0-21 higher score means poor sleep quality
• Quality of life measured using 12-item short form health survey [Baseline and after4weeks]: Health related quality of life assesed using the SF-12questionnaire.higher score indicates better health status

Sex: Female, ages: 25 Weeks to 35 Weeks

Inclusion Criteria:

* -Pregnant female suffering from calf cramps. 2-Their ages range from 25to 35 years. 3-Their body mass index ranges from 25 to 29.9kg/m2. 4-Pregnant female in the second or third trimester.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Skin abnormalities \[malignancy or burn in the treated area\]. 2-History of previous back surgery. 3-Present of any neuromuscular disease \[like multiple sclerosis\]. 4-Sensory disturbances. 5-Evidence of previous vertebral fractures or spinal structural abnormalities. 6-Women who have eclampsia or pre-eclampsia. 7-History of edema, thrombosis, venous thrombosis.

• Noha Fathy khalifa, Bachelor, Principal investigator, Faculty of physical therapy kafrelsheikh university