Body Mass Index, Physical Activity Habits and Physical Function Contribute to Fatigue in the Rest Home Residents

ABSTRACT

Backgrounds

Fatigue is a common complaint in older adults living in rest homes. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with fatigue among older adults living in a rest home.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out with a total of 92 older adults. Fatigue was evaluated by the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). The sociodemographic characteristics, quadriceps and handgrip strength, functional capacity and physical function were assessed using a structured questionnaire, digital dynamometers, 6-minute walking test and Short Physical Performance Battery, respectively.

Results

The prevalence of fatigue was 67.4%. FSS showed significant correlations with age, female gender, body mass index, physical activity habits, quadriceps strength, handgrip strength, functional exercise capacity, and physical function. However, in the regression analysis, only body mass index, physical activity habits and physical function were responsible for 51% of the variance in fatigue among rest home residents. Physical activity habits and physical function were the best predictors of fatigue explaining 47.5% of variance.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that body mass index, physical activity habits and physical function contributed to fatigue in rest home residents. These factors can be used to identify individuals at high risk of fatigue and to attenuate fatigue levels.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the manager of the rest home, the rest home employees, and residents.

Disclosure Statement

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest in the conduct of this study and its publication process.