ABSTRACT
Objective:
to characterize fatigue and exertion fatigue in patients with intermittent claudication (IC), and to test their association with sociodemographic and clinical variables, walking capacity and level of physical activity.
Method:
forty-nine participants (66.6 years; 70% male) were studied. Validated questionnaires were used to assess fatigue (DUFS), exertion fatigue (DEFS), level of physical activity (BASIC) and walking capacity (WIQ).
Results:
participants had substantial fatigue (DUFS = 20.4+8.8) and substantial exertion fatigue (DEFS = 20.4+10.8). There was an association between the DUFS and marital status (p = 0,008). There was a statically significant association between DEFS with scores of the BASIC (r = .331; p = .02) and among DEFS with WIQ domains - walking distance (r=.359; p = .011) and climbing stairs (r=.331; p = .02).
Conclusion:
patients with IC have fatigue and exertion fatigue. Exertion fatigue might compromise the engagement of these patients in physical activity, one of the main components of IC treatment.
Key words:
Intermittent Claudication; Fatigue; Walking
