Perceived Fatigability and Objective Physical Activity in Mid- to Late-Life

Amal A. Wanigatunga, Eleanor M. Simonsick, Vadim Zipunnikov, Adam P. Spira, Stephanie Studenski, Luigi Ferrucci, Jennifer A. Schrack

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Fatigability, defined as fatigue in relation to a standardized task, predicts functional decline in older adults independent of reported tiredness or energy level. Although the sensation of fatigue, tiredness, and energy level adversely affect physical activity (PA), the association between fatigability and objectively measured PA is unknown. Methods: Participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (n = 557, 50% women, aged 5097 years) were instructed to wear an Actiheart accelerometer for 7 consecutive days in the free-living environment. Perceived fatigability was assessed using the Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE) after 5 minutes of treadmill walking at 1.5 mph (0.67 m/s) and categorized as low (67 RPE), intermediate (89 RPE), and high (10+ RPE) fatigability. Time-of-day PA differences between fatigability groups were assessed using mixed-effects modeling. Results: Total daily PA was 1.3% lower for every unit increment in perceived fatigability after adjusting for demographic, behavioral, and medical factors (p = .01). In time-of-day analyses, the high fatigability group was less active compared to the low fatigability group throughout the day (8:00 am to 8:00 pm) and the intermediate fatigability group in the morning (8:00 am to 12:00 pm). Patterns of PA within the high fatigability group differed from both the intermediate and low groups in the morning but mirrored the intermediate group in the afternoon and evening. Discussion: These results suggest that RPE is a bio-marker of fatigability associated with progressively lower PA with aging. Whether the effects of fatigability occurring at the end of the day reflect waning energy levels or a voluntary choice that could be modified remains to be evaluated.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)630-635
Number of pages6
JournalJournals of Gerontology - Series A Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences
Volume73
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 17 2018

Keywords

  • Accelerometer
  • Aging
  • Circadian rhythms
  • Diurnal patterns
  • Fatigue

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aging
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

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