Evaluation of Fatigability Measurement: Integrative Review

Overview

Journal Geriatr Nurs

Specialty Nursing

Date 2017 Jul 2

PMID 28666548

Citations 17

Authors

Inah Kim

Eileen Hacker

Carol Estwing Ferrans

Craig Horswill

Chang Park

Mary Kapella

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Fatigability is defined as the extent of fatigue in the context of activity and differs from the term used in exercise literature to describe muscle endurance characteristics. Many fatigability measures are available, but no studies have thoroughly evaluated them for adequate incorporation of fatigability concepts. This integrative review provides an overall assessment of existing fatigability measures and then evaluates each in depth. A database search and hand search produced 14 studies for review. Fatigability measurement took three forms: self-reported fatigability, perceived fatigability (self-reported fatigue following a defined performance test), and performance fatigability (performance deterioration). Of 17 measures identified, validity and/or reliability was reported for six (35.3%), and no measure was used in more than one study. Fatigability measures have been correlated with clinical measures, indicating that fatigability should be measured during routine clinical health screening. Refinement of measures and additional fatigability data collection will improve understanding and treatment of fatigue.

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