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Development of a Novel Accelerometry-Based Performance Fatigability Measure for Older Adults
Yujia Susanna Qiao1, Jaroslaw Harezlak2, Kyle D Moored1
1Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|June 28, 2022
Summary
The Pittsburgh Performance Fatigability Index (PPFI) objectively measures performance fatigability in older adults using accelerometry. Higher PPFI scores indicate greater fatigability and correlate with poorer physical function and fitness.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Sports Science
Background:
- Performance fatigability studies are limited by measurement constraints.
- Accelerometry offers a potential solution for objective performance decline detection.
- The Pittsburgh Performance Fatigability Index (PPFI) was developed to address these limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the Pittsburgh Performance Fatigability Index (PPFI).
- To quantify performance fatigability using accelerometry in older adults.
- To assess the correlation between PPFI scores and various physical function measures.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-three older adults participated in a cross-sectional study involving 400-m walks at fast and usual paces.
- Triaxial accelerations from wrist-worn accelerometers were used to compute PPFI.
- PPFI quantifies gait cadence decline during the walk.
Main Results:
- Higher PPFI scores correlated with worse physical function, slower gait and chair stand speeds, poorer cardiorespiratory fitness, and lower mobility.
- These associations remained significant after adjusting for demographic and health factors.
- PPFI scores from fast-paced walks were also associated with leg peak power.
Conclusions:
- The objective PPFI is a sensitive measure of performance fatigability in older adults.
- PPFI can serve as a valuable risk assessment tool.
- This index has potential applications in future research and clinical practice.
