[Evaluation of physical exercise and fatigue sensation by CFSI (Cumulative Fatigue Symptoms Index)]

Cumulative Fatigue Symptoms Index (CFSI) is used for workers' subjective assessment of feeling of fatigue and of symptoms. Until now, this index has been used in the analysis of members of the same occupation. The purpose of this study is to examine fatigue symptoms in workers and to assess by CFSI the effect of regular physical exercise. Study participants were an exercise group (n = 67) and a non-exercise group (n = 115) of older workers, aged from 30 to 69 years. The CFSI questionnaire was distributed to all participants and the former group (exercise) answered two descriptive questions concerning the aim and subjective effects of physical exercise. As a result, it was found that mental fatigue symptoms decreased in the exercise group even after considering the differences in managerial position, subjective senses on health and marital status which are related to degree of feelings of fatigue. Weakened vitality was significantly less in the exercise group than the non-exercise group. Therefore, we concluded that weakened vitality would be needed to be regarded on an assessment scale for effects caused by exercise. It has also been considered that we should investigate general fatigue in assessing physical fatigue relating to one's lifestyle.