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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Musculoskeletal pain is associated with restless legs syndrome in young adults

Authors: Stijn J. Hoogwout, Markus V. Paananen, Anne J. Smith, Darren J. Beales, Peter B. O’Sullivan, Leon M. Straker, Peter R. Eastwood, Nigel McArdle, David Champion

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

In recent years, there is considerable evidence of a relationship between the sensorimotor disorder restless legs syndrome (RLS) and pain disorders, including migraine and fibromyalgia. An association between multi-site pain and RLS has been reported in adult women. In the current study, we explored the association between musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and RLS in a large cohort of young adults.

Methods

Twenty two year olds (n = 1072), followed since birth of part of the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study, provided data on MSK pain (duration, severity, frequency, number of pain sites). RLS was considered present when 4 diagnostic criteria recommended by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group were met (urge to move, dysaesthesia, relief by movement, worsening symptoms during the evening/night) and participants had these symptoms at least 5 times per month. Associations between MSK pain and RLS were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression with bias-corrected bootstrapped confidence intervals, with final models adjusted for sex, psychological distress and sleep quality.

Results

The prevalence of RLS was 3.0 % and MSK pain was reported by 37.4 % of the participants. In multivariable logistic regression models, strong associations were found between RLS-diagnosis and long duration (three months or more) of MSK pain (odds ratio 3.6, 95 % confidence interval 1.4–9.2) and reporting three or more pain sites (4.9, 1.6–14.6).

Conclusions

Different dimensions of MSK pain were associated with RLS in young adults, suggestive of shared pathophysiological mechanisms. Overlap between these conditions requires more clinical and research attention.
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Metadata
Title
Musculoskeletal pain is associated with restless legs syndrome in young adults
Authors
Stijn J. Hoogwout
Markus V. Paananen
Anne J. Smith
Darren J. Beales
Peter B. O’Sullivan
Leon M. Straker
Peter R. Eastwood
Nigel McArdle
David Champion
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-015-0765-1

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