Citation

Juengst S, Skidmore ERD, Arenth PM, Niyonkuru C, Raina KD. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2013; 94(1): 74-79.

Affiliation

Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apmr.2012.07.025

PMID

22885286

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the unique contribution of fatigue to self-reported disability in community dwelling adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI). DESIGN: A cross-sectional cohort design. SETTING: Community dwellings in the greater Pittsburgh region. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty adults with a history of mild to severe TBI were assessed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: This study assessed the contribution of fatigue (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale) to disability (Mayo Portland Adaptability Inventory IV), controlling for executive functions (Frontal Systems Behavior Scale), depression status (major depression in partial remission/current major depression/depressive symptoms or no history of depression), and initial injury severity (uncomplicated mild, complicated mild, moderate, or severe). RESULTS: Fatigue was found to contribute uniquely to the variance in self-reported disability (β=.47, P< 0.001) after controlling for injury severity, executive functions, and depression status. The overall model was significant (F(4,45)=17.32, P<.001) and explained 61% of the variance in self-reported disability, with fatigue alone accounting for 12% of the variance in self-reported disability (F(1,45)=13.97, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue contributes uniquely to disability status among community-dwelling adults with chronic TBI, independently of injury severity, executive functions, and depression. Addressing fatigue through targeted interventions may help to improve self-perceived disability in this population.

Language: en