PERCEIVED PHYSICAL FATIGABILITY PREDICTS ALL-CAUSE MORTALITY: THE LONG LIFE FAMILY STUDY

• Published in: Innovation in aging 2019-11, Vol.3 (Supplement_1), p.S895-S895
• Main Authors: Glynn, Nancy W, Gmelin, Theresa, Renner, Sharon W, Boudreau, Robert M, Feitosa, Mary, Andersen, Stacy L, Christensen, Kaare, Newman, Anne B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2399-5300; 2399-5300
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igz038.3272

Abstract Fatigability, the likelihood of fatigue with lower versus higher levels of exertion, is associated with declines in physical function and disability and related to fitness. Thus, fatigability may be a good predictor of mortality. We examined this relationship in the Long Life Family Study (LLFS), an international family cohort enriched for longevity and their spousal controls. We measured perceived physical fatigability at Visit 2 (2014-2017) using the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (PFS, 0-50 with higher score=greater fatigability). We identified deaths by family members notifying field centers, reporting during annual phone follow-up, or finding an obituary when unable to reach. Otherwise, we censored participants at most recent contact date when confirmed alive. Covariates included age, sex, and self-reported physical activity using the Framingham Physical Activity Index. We adjusted all analyses for field center and family structure. Participants alive ≥60 years (range 60-108, mean 73.6±10.5) and completed the PFS (N=2,326) at Visit 2 were predominantly white (99.5%) and female (55.1%). Post-Visit 2, 195 (8.4%) died during mean 2.5±1.0 years of follow-up. Age-adjusted PFS score was 7.7 points greater (p