A1 Journal article (refereed)
The Associations of Activity Fragmentation with Physical and Mental Fatigability among Community-Dwelling 75-, 80- and 85-Year-Old People (2020)


Palmberg, L., Rantalainen, T., Rantakokko, M., Karavirta, L., Siltanen, S., Skantz, H., Saajanaho, M., Portegijs, E., & Rantanen, T. (2020). The Associations of Activity Fragmentation with Physical and Mental Fatigability among Community-Dwelling 75-, 80- and 85-Year-Old People. Journals of Gerontology Series A : Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 75(9), e103-e110. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glaa166


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editorsPalmberg, Lotta; Rantalainen, Timo; Rantakokko, Merja; Karavirta, Laura; Siltanen, Sini; Skantz, Heidi; Saajanaho, Milla; Portegijs, Erja; Rantanen, Taina

Journal or seriesJournals of Gerontology Series A : Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences

ISSN1079-5006

eISSN1758-535X

Publication year2020

Publication date02/07/2020

Volume75

Issue number9

Pages rangee103–e110

PublisherOxford University Press (OUP)

Publication countryUnited States

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glaa166

Publication open accessNot open

Publication channel open access

Publication is parallel published (JYX)https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/71071


Abstract

Background
Fatigue related to task standardized by duration and intensity, termed fatigability, could manifest as shortening of activity bouts throughout the day causing daily activity to accumulate in a more fragmented pattern. Our purpose was to study the association of activity fragmentation with physical and mental dimensions of fatigability.

Methods
A cross-sectional study of 485 community-dwelling 75-,80- and 85-year-old people using a thigh-worn accelerometer for 3 to 7 days. Activity fragmentation was studied as Active-to-Sedentary Transition Probability (ASTP) for two operational definitions of physical activity: accelerations equivalent to at least light physical activity, and for upright posture. Physical fatigability was assessed as perceived exertion fatigability, performance fatigability severity, and with the Physical Fatigue Subscale of the Situational Fatigue Scale (SFS). Mental fatigability was assessed with the Mental Fatigue Subscale of the SFS and as a decrease in perceived mental alertness after a six-minute walk test (6MWT).

Results
Higher activity fragmentation was associated with higher self-reported physical fatigability, perceived exertion fatigability and performance fatigability severity, independent of total activity minutes (β 0.13-0.33, p<0.05 for all). Higher activity fragmentation was not associated with mental fatigability in the fully adjusted models. The associations with fatigability indices were similar for both activity fragmentation indicators. Associations of activity fragmentation and performance fatigability severity were similar also among those with the highest intensity-based physical activity volume.

Conclusions
The findings provide support that studying fragmented activity patterns can be useful in identifying those at risk for high fatigability, even among those with relatively high physical activity level.


Keywordsphysical activityphysical trainingfatigue (biological phenomena)older peoplephysical well-beingmental well-being

Free keywordsactivity patterns; adaptive strategies; fatigue; physical activity


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Ministry reportingYes

Reporting Year2020

JUFO rating3


Last updated on 2024-26-03 at 09:18