Effects of Static Stretching and Strength Training on Antenatal Restless Leg Syndrome

Each session for Group A will begin with a brief warm-up consisting of five minutes of light walking, followed by static stretching of major lower limb muscles including the hamstrings, quadriceps, calf muscles, hip flexors, tibialis anterior, and lower back muscles. The hamstrings can be stretched by sitting or standing forward bends; the quadriceps can be extended by standing from heel to buttocks; and the calf muscles can be stretched by lunging against a wall. Additionally, a kneeling lunge position will be used to stretch the hip flexors, and toe-point or sitting plantarflexion stretches will be used to target the tibialis anterior muscles. The Cat-Cow movement and Child's Pose will help increase lower back flexibility. Each stretch will be held for 20-30 seconds and repeated 2-3 times per muscle group.

Group B will receive the same stretching protocol as Group A but will also engage in a structured strength training program targeting the lower limbs. Each strengthening exercise session will include seated ankle dorsiflexion using resistance bands to activate the tibialis anterior muscle, standing calf raises to strengthen the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles and glute bridges to target the gluteal and hamstring groups. Additionally, participants will perform wall squats to engage the quadriceps and core muscles in a low-impact manner, and seated leg extensions using resistance bands to strengthen the knee extensors. Each exercise will be performed in 2-3 sets of 10-12 repetitions, with 30-60 seconds rest between sets. Resistance bands will be used and progressively upgraded over the weeks based on individual tolerance.