Self-reported fatigue and physical function in late mid-life.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Epidemiology
• Health Sciences

Background:

• Fatigue is a common complaint in aging populations.
• Understanding the relationship between different types of fatigue and physical function is crucial for maintaining independence in late mid-life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the five subscales of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 (MFI-20) and physical function in a population-based sample of adults aged 49-63 years.
• To explore potential gender differences in these associations.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing data from the Copenhagen Aging and Midlife Biobank population cohort (n=4,964).
• Fatigue was assessed using the MFI-20, measuring general fatigue, physical fatigue, reduced activity, reduced motivation, and mental fatigue.
• Physical function was evaluated through handgrip strength and chair rise tests. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed, adjusting for confounders.

Main Results:

• Handgrip strength was significantly associated with physical fatigue and reduced motivation.
• Chair rise test performance was associated with physical fatigue, general fatigue, reduced activity, and reduced motivation.
• Mental fatigue was not significantly associated with either handgrip strength or chair rise performance.
• Subgroup analyses indicated that the associations between fatigue and physical function were independent of gender.

Conclusions:

• Four subscales of the MFI-20 (general fatigue, physical fatigue, reduced activity, and reduced motivation) demonstrate a physiological basis linked to physical function in late mid-life.
• The findings highlight the multifaceted nature of fatigue and its impact on physical capabilities, irrespective of gender.