Assessment and indicators of kinematic behavior and perceived fatigability
Helena Silva-Migueis1,2, Eva María Martínez-Jiménez3, Israel Casado-Hernández3
1University of A Coruña, Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, Industrial Campus of Ferrol, Research, Health and Podiatry Group, Department of Health Sciences - Ferrol, Spain.
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992)
|February 29, 2024
Summary
Upper limb acceleration patterns correlate with perceived fatigability in older adults. Monitoring movement via inertial measurement units can help identify those at risk of fatigue or task failure.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
- Human Factors Engineering
Background:
- Aging is associated with changes in motor control and increased perceived fatigability.
- Understanding the relationship between movement kinetics and subjective fatigue is crucial for maintaining functional independence in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between upper limb kinetics and perceived fatigability during a sustained isometric task in elderly individuals.
- To explore sex-based differences in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- 31 elderly participants (mean age ~72 years) performed a sustained isometric upper limb task.
- Upper limb acceleration was captured using an inertial measurement unit.
- Perceived fatigability was assessed using the Borg CR10 scale.
Main Results:
- Higher mean acceleration (x-axis) correlated with greater perceived fatigability.
- Moderate correlations existed between perceived fatigability variation and mean acceleration across all axes in the latter half of the task.
- Sex-specific differences were observed, with stronger correlations in men.
Conclusions:
- Upper limb acceleration patterns are associated with perceived fatigability and its variation, with notable sex differences.
- Inertial measurement units offer a simple method to identify older adults at risk of high perceived fatigability or task failure.
