Fatigability in basic indoor mobility in nonagenarians

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and associated health factors of indoor mobility-related fatigability in nonagenarians.

Design: A cross-sectional observational study of all Danes born in 1905 and assessed in 1998.

Setting: Community, sheltered housing and nursing homes.

Participants: Individuals aged 92 and 93 (N = 1,181) who were independent of help in basic indoor mobility.

Measurements: Fatigability in basic indoor mobility was defined as a subjective feeling of fatigue when transferring or walking indoors. Other standardized assessments include self-report measures of medical history and performance-based assessments of walking speed and maximum handgrip strength.

Results: Twenty-six percent of participants reported fatigability when transferring or walking indoors; fatigability was more common in participants living in sheltered housing (32%) than in those living independently (23%, P < .001). Cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal pain, medications, walking speed, and depressive symptoms were independently associated with fatigability.

Conclusion: Fatigability in basic everyday mobility is common in nondisabled nonagenarians. The results also indicate important associations between fatigability and potentially modifiable health factors.