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 editors: Palmberg, Lotta; Rantalainen, Timo; Rantakokko, Merja; Karavirta, Laura; Siltanen, Sini; Skantz, Heidi; Saajanaho, Milla; Portegijs, Erja; Rantanen, Taina

Journal or series: Journals of Gerontology Series A : Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences

ISSN: 1079-5006

eISSN: 1758-535X

Publication year: 2020

Publication date: 02/07/2020

Volume: 75

Issue number: 9

Pages range: e103–e110

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glaa166

Publication open access: Not 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.


Keywords: physical activity; physical training; fatigue (biological phenomena); older people; physical well-being; mental well-being

Free keywords: activity patterns; adaptive strategies; fatigue; physical activity


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Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2020

JUFO rating: 3


Last updated on 2024-22-04 at 13:59