Abstract: Objective  To comprehensively evaluate the effect of non-drug intervention on the symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in hemodialysis patients, and to provide references for selecting the best intervention measures.   Methods  Randomized controlled studies on the effects of different non-drug interventions on RLS in hemodialysis patients were searched by computer in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang and Biomedical Literature Service System from the establishment of the database to May 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated literature quality. Stata 17.0 software was used to perform mesh meta-analysis.   Results  A total of 21 studies were included, with a total sample size of 1,183 cases. The results of mesh meta-analysis showed that cold dialysate was the best choice for improving RLS symptoms in hemodialysis patients. Cold dialysate combined with foot bath using traditional Chinese medicine and acupressure (SMD=-13.23～95% CI:   -25.15～-1.32), acupressure application (SMD=-18.20～95% CI: -30.06～-6.34), exercise training during dialysis (SMD=-12.47～95% CI: -21.68～-3.27), auricular-point compression therapy (SMD=-17.07～95% CI:
-29.30～-4.84), foot reflexology (SMD=-11.84～95% CI: -22.02～-1.66), infrared light therapy (SMD =  -18.16～95% CI: -30.07～-6.25), acupuncture therapy (SMD=18.91, 95% CI: 7.06, 30.77), and acupressure (SMD=17.91, 95% CI: 4.65～31.16) also had the statistical differences (P＜0.017).   Conclusion   Among the non-drug interventions, cold dialysate can improve RLS symptoms in hemodialysis patients, and the intervention of RLS can be managed according to patient tolerance.

Key words: Hemodialysis, Restless leg syndrome, Non-drug intervention