A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of Reducing Cramps in Pregnancy Between the Stretching-Exercise Versus No Stretching-Exercise Groups

Abstract

This randomized controlled trial assessed the effectiveness of a two-week stretching exercise regimen in reducing leg cramps among pregnant women, compared to a non-exercise group. A total of 86 participants, pregnant women between 24-36 weeks’ gestation experiencing leg cramps, were recruited from the HRH Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center in Thailand and randomly assigned to either the exercise or non-exercise group. The exercise involved performing four specific stretching exercises three times per week over two weeks, aiming to target muscle relaxation and cramp reduction. 81 participants were analyzed based on the intention-to-treat (ITT) approach. The result showed that the median number of leg cramps per week significantly decreased in both groups over two weeks. At week 1, the median cramp frequency was 2 (IQR: 1, 4) in the exercise group and 2 (IQR: 1, 3) in the non-exercise group (p = 0.43). At week 2, both groups experienced further reduction, with a median of 1 (IQR: 0, 2) in both groups (p = 0.75). Adherence to the prescribed exercise protocol in the intervention group was high. Participants in the exercise group reported a median total exercise duration of 60 minutes during the first week (IQR: 45, 60 minutes) and 47.5 minutes during the second week (IQR: 45, 60 minutes). No adverse events related to the intervention were reported in either group. The stretching exercises is a safe and feasible intervention for pregnant women, remain a recommended practice, as they offer additional benefits for maternal well-being, including improved flexibility and preparation for labor, though it did not significantly reduce leg cramp frequency compared to routine antenatal care. Strategies such as maintaining adequate hydration, consuming a balanced diet rich in essential minerals, and engaging in safe physical activities may be more effective when combined with stretching. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects of stretching and multi-modal approaches, ultimately enhancing the quality of antenatal care and maternal health outcomes.