Fatigability as a function of physical activity energy expenditure in older adults

Age (Dordr). 2013 Feb;35(1):179-87. doi: 10.1007/s11357-011-9338-x. Epub 2011 Nov 24.

Abstract

Increased fatigue is a predictor of morbidity and mortality in older adults. Fatigability defines a change in performance or self-reported fatigue in response to physical activity (PA). However, the relationship of fatigability to PA-related energy expenditure (PAEE) is unknown. Changes in performance, fatigue, and energy expenditure were measured simultaneously in 17 adults (11 females, 74-94 years old) performing eight standardized PA tasks with various energy expenditure requirements in a whole-room indirect calorimeter. Change in performance was objectively measured using a PA movement monitor and change in fatigue was self-reported on a seven-point scale for each task. Performance and perceived fatigability severity scores were calculated as a ratio of change in performance and fatigue, respectively, and PAEE. We found that change in both objective performance and self-reported fatigue were associated with energy expenditure (Spearman rho = -0.72 and -0.68, respectively, p < 0.001) on a task requiring relatively high level of energy expenditure. The performance and perceived fatigability severity scores were significantly correlated (rho = 0.77, p < 0.001) on this task. In summary, results of this proof of concept pilot study show that both perceived and performance fatigability severity scores are related to PAEE-induced fatigue on a task requiring relatively high level of energy expenditure. We conclude that fatigability severity is a valid measure of PAEE-induced fatigue in older adults.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Calorimetry, Indirect
  • Energy Metabolism / physiology*
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Fatigue / metabolism*
  • Fatigue / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Pilot Projects