Prevalence of Restless Legs Syndrome and Its Association with Fatigue among Basketball Players in Faisalabad

Abstract

Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological sensorimotor disorder associated with disturbed sleep, impaired quality of life, and increased fatigue. Athletes, particularly those engaged in high-intensity sports such as basketball, are vulnerable to fatigue due to training demands, condensed schedules, and inadequate recovery. However, little is known about the burden of RLS in this population and its impact on fatigue. Objective: To determine the prevalence of RLS among basketball players in Faisalabad and to evaluate its association with fatigue levels. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 80 basketball players aged 15–30 years. Participants were recruited from local basketball clubs through purposive sampling. RLS was assessed using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) severity scale, while fatigue was measured using the Visual Analogue Fatigue Scale (VAFS). Descriptive statistics summarized demographic and clinical data. Associations were analyzed using chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Severe RLS was highly prevalent, affecting 88.8% of participants, compared with 6.3% and 5.0% for mild and moderate cases, respectively. A strong, statistically significant association was observed between RLS severity and fatigue (Pearson χ² = 74.986, df = 6, p < 0.001). Conclusion: RLS is common and strongly associated with fatigue in basketball players, highlighting the need for early screening, recovery-focused interventions, and nutritional optimization to safeguard athletic health and performance.