Fatigue and physical activity in older women after myocardial infarction.
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Patricia B. Crane, Associate Professor (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Abstract: Background
Within 6 years of a myocardial infarction (MI) more women (35%) than men (18%) will have another MI. Participation in physical activity is one of the most effective methods to reduce cardiac risks; however, few older women participate. One of the most frequently reported barriers to physical activity is fatigue.
Objectives
The specific aims of this study were to (1) describe factors related to fatigue in older women after MI and (2) examine the relationship of fatigue to physical activity in older women after MI.
Methods
This descriptive correlational study examined the effects of age, body mass index, comorbidities, sleep, beta-blocker medication, depression, and social support on fatigue and physical activity in women (N = 84), ages 65 to 88 years old, 6 to 12 months post-MI. All women had their height and weight measured and completed (1) a health form on comorbidities, physical activity, and medication history; (2) the Geriatric Depression Scale; (3) the Epworth Sleepiness Scale; (4) the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale; and (5) the Social Provisions Scale.
Results
The majority (67%) of the women reported fatigue that they perceived as different from fatigue before their MI. Moderately strong correlations were noted among depression, sleep, and fatigue, and multivariate analysis indicated that depression and sleep significantly accounted for 32.7% of the variance in fatigue. Although only 61% of the women reported participating in physical activity for exercise, most were meeting minimal kilocalories per week for secondary prevention. Fatigue was not significantly associated with participation in physical activity.
Conclusion
Describing correlates to fatigue and older women’s participation in physical activity after MI are important to develop interventions targeted at increasing women’s participation in physical activity, thus decreasing their risk for recurrent MIs.
Fatigue and physical activity in older women after myocardial infarction.
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Created on 7/15/2013
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Language: English
- Date: 2005
- Keywords
- fatigue, heart health, lung health, physical activity, women’s health, myocardial infection, post myocardial infection treatment, nursing