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Review
. 2018 Jan-Feb;39(1):39-47.
doi: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2017.05.014. Epub 2017 Jun 27.

Evaluation of fatigability measurement: Integrative review

Inah Kim  1 , Eileen Hacker  2 , Carol Estwing Ferrans  3 , Craig Horswill  4 , Chang Park  3 , Mary Kapella  3
Affiliations
Review

Evaluation of fatigability measurement: Integrative review

Inah Kim et al. Geriatr Nurs. 2018 Jan-Feb.

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.

Keywords: Fatigability; Fatigue; Physical activity.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Flowchart of search and selection strategy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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