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

Key words: Exercise training, muscle cramps, muscle fatigue, sleep habits, varicose veins.