Article

This study aimed to investigate fatigue, and its correlates, in children and
adolescents with physical disabilities. METHOD: Sixty-five young people aged 8 to
17 years (35 males, 30 females; mean age 13y 2mo, SD 2y 8mo) with mild to
moderate physical disabilities (Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire
levels 7-10) were recruited. Self-reported fatigue was measured using the PedsQL
Multidimensional Fatigue Scale. Physical activity was measured using 7-day
hip-worn accelerometer. Associations between fatigue, physical activity, and
socio-demographic characteristics were examined using analysis of covariance,
with significance (alpha) set at 0.05. Results were compared with normative data
from other paediatric populations. RESULTS:
Among children with physical
disabilities, fatigue was associated with being physically inactive
(F-statistic=4.42, p=0.040), female (F=4.37, p=0.042), and of low socio-economic
status (F=3.94, p=0.050). Fatigue was not associated with age, weight status, or
functional impairment. Young people with physical disabilities experienced high
levels of fatigue compared with other paediatric health populations, and
comparable to the paediatric cancer population. INTERPRETATION: Fatigue is an
important issue for young people with physical disabilities. Clinicians and
researchers working with this group should be mindful that fatigue is likely to
impact on an individual's ability to undertake new treatment regimens or
interventions. Interventions aimed at reducing fatigue are warranted. Increasing
physical activity might play a role in reducing fatigue.
CI - (c) 2015 Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS