BACKGROUND: Fatigue is one of the most commonly experienced phenomena by all human being. However, this concept is cause of great confusion in science. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the concept of fatigue using the method of Walker and Avant (1995). Critical attributes, antecedents, consequents and empirical referents are identified. To illustrate the concept, model, contrary and illegitimate cases are presented. RESULTS: The manifestation of tiredness or exhaustion associated with the impact on the development of every day activities and the absence of restorage of energy using habitual strategies are identified as the main empirical referents related to the concept of fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: This conceptual analysis offers support for the development of an operational definition and suggests new guidelines for future research.
Fatigue; Concept formation; Research
