Fatigue Management Research Articles

A systematic review on the effects of non-pharmacological interventions for fatigue among people with upper and/or lower limb osteoarthritis.

To identify non-pharmacological fatigue interventions and determine the effectiveness of these non-pharmacological interventions in reducing fatigue immediately and over time in OA. A review protocol (CRD42020163730) was developed and registered with the PROSPERO database. Included studies comprised peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effects of conservative interventions on fatigue in people with upper and lower limb OA. Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias (ROB-2) was used to assess the quality of evidence of studies. Narrative synthesis was used to summarize the effectiveness of identified fatigue interventions. Out of 2644 citations identified from databases, 32 reports were included after screening for titles, abstracts and full texts. Of these reports, 30 parallel RCTs, one cluster and one cross-over RCT were included. 13 RCTs were of low ROB, 6 had some concerns and 13 had high ROB. The narrative synthesis identified interventions for fatigue including exercise, activity pacing, cognitive behavioural therapy, telerehabilitation and complementary alternative therapies. Exercise interventions showed the most significant beneficial effects on fatigue. Diverse interventions for fatigue management among individuals with upper and lower limb OA were identified. Of these, exercise interventions appear to be the most promising with the majority of these interventions favouring fatigue improvement. While cognitive behavioural therapy has limited evidence of beneficial effects, there is insufficient evidence regarding the effectiveness of other identified interventions, including complementary and alternative therapies, and telerehabilitation.

Weekly Programming of Hamstring-Related Training Contents in European Professional Soccer.

Hamstring injuries in soccer continue to be a challenge for professionals who work with soccer players daily. Although its origin is multifactorial, the proper management of neuromuscular fatigue during the training microcycle is a very important factor to consider. There are no clear guidelines regarding the weekly distribution of certain exercises that demand the hamstrings. The main objective of this study was to describe the usual training practices of professional European soccer teams. An international observational survey design was applied to some of the strength and conditioning coaches of professional soccer teams. The survey included different neuromuscular demanding exercises for the hamstrings. For each exercise, the strength and conditioning coaches had to respond in relation to their frequency of use and timepoint depending on the day of the weekly microcycle. Although there is no strong consensus in this regard, there does seem to be a trend when applying certain exercises, especially on the days matchday-4 and matchday-3.

Is the isokinetic strength of nonparetic lower limb related to fatigue in stroke survivors? A cross-sectional study.

The study aimed to investigate the correlation between nonparetic knee muscle strength and fatigue in a cohort of stroke survivors. Thirty-two stroke survivors (17 females, 15 males; median age 62 (interquartile range [IQR] 51-69), (min: 45, max: 81) years were recruited in this cross-sectional study between January 2012 and September 2012. Sociodemographic, clinical, and stroke-related parameters were recorded. All participants underwent an isokinetic measurement of the nonparetic knee flexion and extension. Functional independence measure, functional ambulation category, and Mini-Mental State Examination scores were used to evaluate the functional status, ambulation, and mental status of the patients. Anxiety, depression, and fatigue severity were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and fatigue severity scale (FSS), respectively. The median duration of stroke was 3.1 (IQR: 2.5-6.5) months. Stroke survivors with reduced muscle strength were older and had lower motor and total functional independence measure scores than those with normal strength (p=0.026, p=0.034, and p=0.034, respectively). There were more patients with lower functional ambulation category scores in the group with reduced muscle strength (p=0.023). Peak torque values of knee flexors at 60°/sec and 180°/sec correlated negatively with FSS (r= -0.360, p=0.043 and r= -0.452, p=0.009, respectively). There was also a negative correlation between the work of knee extensor and flexors at 180°/sec and FSS (r= -0.398, p=0.024 and r= -0.451, p=0.010, respectively). Anxiety and depression scores were not significantly correlated with fatigue. The lower strength of nonparetic knee extensor muscles was related to greater disability and worse ambulatory scores. The lower strength of knee flexor muscles and the work of both knee muscles in the nonparetic limb were related to higher fatigue levels in stroke survivors. Therefore, fatigue management and strengthening of both knee flexor and extensor muscles in the nonparetic limb is emphasized during stroke rehabilitation.

Survey of the clinical practices of physiotherapists for the management of post-stroke fatigue.

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a common condition among stroke survivors. However, evidence supporting the effective clinical management of PSF is insufficient. Our objectives were to examine the clinical practices of physiotherapists for the management of PSF and evaluate their clinical knowledge and confidence in managing PSF. We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey of the sociodemographic profiles of participating physiotherapists, their current clinical practices, clinical knowledge, confidence in their clinical management of PSF, and the types and intensity of the exercises used in the management of PSF. A total of 160 physiotherapists completed the survey: 86 (53.8%) were women, 148 (92.5%) were Saudi nationals, 126 (78.7%) were employed by the Ministry of Health, and 34 (21.3%) worked in the private sector. The majority (60%) of physiotherapists did not routinely assess their patients for the presence of fatigue. Likewise, 93 (58.1%) did not provide any PSF-related educational material to their patients; however, 67 (41.9%) did provide these materials. The preferred exercises of the physiotherapists for their patients were bed and chair exercises (59.5%), followed by functional training (51.4%), and resistance training (23.1%). Our results suggest that while physiotherapists practicing in Saudi Arabia have a sound theoretical understanding of PSF management, their knowledge does not necessarily translate into practice. Interventions used to treat PSF include bed and chair exercises, functional training, and resistance training.

Contributions to the Analysis of Mining Equipment Fatigue Through the Dirlik Method and Spectral Analysis

Abstract The paper analyses the phenomenon of mining machinery fatigue, focusing on the Bucket Wheel Stacker-Reclaimer KsS 5600/3800x40 machine. To evaluate fatigue cycles under variable and non-periodic force conditions specific to this type of machine, Dirlik method and spectral analysis are applied. Dirlik method provides an innovative approach to stress spectrum analysis, taking into account the complex distribution of stress amplitudes during coal stacking operations and their deposition on the conveyor belt. Spectral analysis provides detailed insight into the frequency distribution in the dynamic response of Bucket Wheel Stacker-Reclaimer. This analysis allows the identification of the dominant frequencies associated with the charging and discharging cycles. The results obtained have significant implications for the optimisation of operations and the effective management of fatigue within this specific equipment.

Modeling the repetitions-in-reserve-velocity relationship: a valid method for resistance training monitoring and prescription, and fatigue management.

Establishing a relationship between repetitions left in reserve and the mean absolute velocity (RIR-velocity relationship) during resistance training (RT) could allow for objective monitoring, prescription, and real-time adjustment of the training load and set-volume. Therefore, we examined the goodness of fit and prediction accuracy of general and individual RIR-velocity relationships in the free-weight back squat exercise. The effects of sex, training status and history, as well as personality traits, on the goodness of fit and the accuracy of these relationships were also investigated. Forty-six resistance-trained people (15 females and 31 males) performed a one-repetition maximum (1RM) test, and two repetitions to failure (RTF) tests 72 h apart. We found greater goodness of fit of individual RIR-velocity relationships compared to general RIR-velocity relationships. Individual, but not general RIR-velocity relationships established in the first testing session yielded acceptable prediction accuracy of RIR (mean error <2 repetitions) in the subsequent testing session, regardless of the load used. Similar results were obtained when both general and individual RIR-velocity relationships were averaged across the loads, suggesting that a single RIR-velocity relationship covering a range of loads can be used instead of traditional RT methods, potentially allowing for better fatigue management and more efficient adaptation.

Prevalence, severity, and risk factors of cancer-related fatigue among working cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence, severity, and risk factors of cancer-related fatigue among currently working cancer survivors. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and ICHUSHI databases. The risk of bias was evaluated independently using the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non-randomized Studies (RoBANS). A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the prevalence, severity, and related factors associated with cancer-related fatigue among currently working cancer survivors. Our meta-analysis included 18 studies and revealed that 42.2% of currently working cancer survivors experience cancer-related fatigue. The fatigue severity in this group was significantly higher than that in workers without cancer (absolute standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.67), but lower than that in cancer survivors who had previously worked and were not currently working (absolute SMD = 0.72). Distress was identified as a potential risk factor for cancer-related fatigue in working cancer survivors (partial correlation coefficient = 0.38). The high prevalence of cancer-related fatigue among employed cancer survivors underscores the need for targeted workplace interventions and fatigue management strategies. While the severity of fatigue is less than that seen in non-working survivors, the comparison with the general working population highlights a significant health disparity. The association between distress and fatigue suggests the necessity for a holistic approach to fatigue management that considers both physical and mental factors in working cancer survivors. Our findings highlight the critical need for healthcare professionals and employers to monitor fatigue levels among working cancer survivors and offer appropriate support.

Ageing and performance in professional bus driving – A case study from Chile

The influence of age on driving is of great concern worldwide. Also, older people who are involved in traffic are more vulnerable than younger people, thus in the event of a traffic accident, they are at greater risk of dying. The purpose of this article is to explore the association between age and driving performance of professional bus drivers. A negative binomial regression model and the incidence rate ratio was used to explore the association between variables. The population studied consisted of the company records from 2005 to 2021, with 515 professional bus drivers. We found that the age of professional bus drivers was related to a statistically significant 4 % decrease in self-report of replacement requests. Also, we found that the incidence rate ratio of speeding in professional bus drivers aged 45–59 years and 60–77 years was 1.41 and 1.8 times the incidence of bus drivers aged 28–44 years. Bus drivers’ age was related to a statistically significant 2 % increase in the incidence of minor accidents. Finally, results show a 1 % decrease in incidence of accidents for every one year of age in the group of professional drivers. However, that association was not statistically significant. Older drivers are more likely to engage in minor accidents and speeding-related violations than younger drivers. Additionally, an infrequent use of the fatigue management tool by older drivers was confirmed during the analyzed period. Thus, we concluded that education and training are needed to decrease the observed trends.

Developing offshore fatigue assessment application to measure fatigue among offshore workers in Malaysia

AbstractFatigue is a significant concern in the offshore oil and gas industry, posing risks to both resources and lives. This study aims to assess fatigue levels among daily trippers on offshore platforms and compare them across different job roles. The Offshore Fatigue Assessment Application (OFAA) was developed to measure fatigue in Malaysian offshore workers, focusing on alert response and lapses. A total of 51 participants were involved, with 31 in Crew A and 20 in Crew B. Based on the results, Crew A exhibited fatigue, with only 3 out of 12 data collection points showing an average reaction time (RT) below 500 ms, mainly during post‐work periods. Crew B also experienced fatigue, with only 1 out of 12 data collection points showing an average RT below 500 ms, occurring during mid‐work. While Crew B displayed fatigue during pre‐work and mid‐work, they generally maintained alertness during their sessions. Overall, Crew A consistently faced lapses in alertness, while Crew B showed fatigue during pre‐work and mid‐work but remained alert during their sessions. These findings highlight varying fatigue levels among offshore personnel, emphasizing the need for targeted fatigue management strategies in this industry.

Aviation Safety for Urban Air Mobility: Pilot Licensing and Fatigue Management

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is an emerging air traffic system designed for passengers and cargo in and around urban environments. Both the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency endorse a phased development approach for UAM, commencing with manned aviation and subsequently transitioning to remotely piloted and autonomous operations. This article focuses on legal considerations related to aviation safety, with a specific focus on pilot licensing and crew fatigue management. An analysis of existing aviation law provisions suggests that the International Civil Aviation Organization can work with local authorities to create regulations governing both on-board and remote pilots involved in UAM operations. Safety standards in air law can apply mutatis mutandis to on-board pilots until specific regulations are developed. In the longer term, there shall be domestic laws on both on-board and remote UAM pilots.

Comparing Self-Report Fatigue Assessment Tools for Adults with Cerebral Palsy in a Danish Context

ABSTRACT Purpose: Many youth and adults with Cerebral Palsy (CP) experience high levels of fatigue. This study aimed to compare three fatigue self-report questionnaires to guide clinicians. Method: Thirty youth and adults (age range 17–64) with CP were assessed with Danish versions of the Fatigue Impact and Severity Self-Assessment questionnaire, the Modified Mental Fatigue Scale, and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory. Psychometric properties were investigated. Rank order and classification models were compared across questionnaires. Results: The Reduced Motivation and Physical Fatigue subscales of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory showed inadequate internal consistency. Participants were frequently ranked differently with the questionnaires. There were issues related to the conceptualization of physical fatigue. Conclusion: The choice of assessment tool should be based on assessment purpose as the questionnaires assess different aspects of fatigue severity, impact, and management. Also, test selection can have important implications on the conclusions that are made about fatigue type and severity.

Evaluating fatigue management regulations for flight crew in Australia using a new Fatigue Regulation Evaluation Framework (FREF)

Flight crew experience fatigue due to sleep loss, circadian desynchrony, early duty start times, long duty periods, high and low workloads, and unscheduled duties. As fatigue is considered a significant safety risk in the air transport industry, the primary approaches to managing fatigue are mandating prescriptive limits for work and rest periods or adopting performance-based fatigue risk management systems (FRMS). However, recent aviation incidents indicate that current regulations may not be adequate to manage the fatigue risk experienced by the flight crew. This study evaluates Australian flight crew fatigue management regulations using a new fatigue regulation evaluation framework (FREF) adapted from Jones et al. (2005). Results show that Australian regulations for flight crew include limits on flight duty period (FDP), off duty period, FDP start time, sleep requirements for flight crew before starting an FDP, high and low workloads, circadian rhythm disruptions, and fatigue awareness. However, there are regulation variations in addressing lengths of sectors and methods to report fatigue, which may need to be reviewed to manage fatigue better. Recommendations are made to consider incorporating these factors into fatigue regulations to ensure a safe air transport system.

Work Related Factors Influencing Burnout Among Nurses in Selected Hospitals in Abeokuta, Ogun State

This study aimed to assess work-related factors influencing burnout among nurses in selected hospitals in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Using a Cross-Sectional Descriptive survey, the research examined the relationship between work-related factors and burnout, with specific objectives to determine the level of burnout among nurses. The findings revealed that factors such as higher nurse-patient ratios, working without off days, increased workload, chronic lack of sleep, and an inconducive working environment significantly contribute to burnout. Notably, nurse-patient ratios and working extra hours without rest ranked highest in influencing extreme tiredness and burnout. The study employed Pearson Product Moment Correlation to establish a significant relationship between work-related factors and burnout among nurses. The results demonstrated a strong correlation (r=0.773, p&lt;0.05), emphasizing the crucial link between workplace conditions and nurse burnout. The prevalence of burnout among nurses was substantial, highlighting challenges in emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. The study recommends interventions, including optimal nurse-patient ratios, policies promoting work-life balance, fatigue management programs, and improvements in the working environment. These recommendations aim to address specific stressors and enhance overall well-being among nurses, emphasizing the importance of organizational policies and practices in mitigating

Post-stroke fatigue, hope and discharge readiness: A cross-sectional survey.

To explore the relationships among post-stroke fatigue, hope and discharge readiness in stroke patients, and to determine whether hope mediates the relationship between post-stroke fatigue and discharge readiness. In stroke patients, inadequate discharge readiness has been found to correlate with higher readmission and mortality rates. Although previous qualitative studies have confirmed the impact of fatigue on discharge readiness, few studies explore the impact of post-stroke fatigue and hope on discharge readiness of stroke patients. Consequently, the current research on this relationship and its underlying mechanisms is still quite limited. Cross-sectional study. Data were collected from 340 stroke patients. The research tools included demographic and disease characteristics, Discharge Readiness Assessment Scale for Stroke, Neurological Fatigue Index for Stroke and Herth Hope Index. The STROBE checklist was used to guide the presentation of this study. Discharge readiness was negatively correlated with post-stroke fatigue and positively correlated with hope. Additionally, post-stroke fatigue was negatively correlated with hope. Post-stroke fatigue had a direct negative effect on discharge readiness, and it can also generate indirect effects through hope. Hope was the partial mediator between post-stroke fatigue and discharge readiness, explaining 55.8% of the total effect. Discharge readiness of this population can be improved by reducing post-stroke fatigue and increasing hope. Therefore, effective management of post-stroke fatigue and hope will help improve discharge readiness. It is recommended that nursing staff should monitor the occurrence and development of post-stroke fatigue in stroke patients, dynamically evaluate the patient's level of hope, and pay attention to the important role of positive psychological qualities in the outcome of discharge. If medical staff can formulate corresponding intervention measures based on the influence path of discharge readiness, then the discharge readiness of stroke patients can be improved.

Increased Confidence and Deeper Understanding of Fatigue Following Participation in Fatigue Education and Management Education in Systemic Sclerosis: A Mixed Methods Evaluation of a Virtual Intervention.

No fatigue-specific programs exist for people with systemic sclerosis (SSc) despite the burden of fatigue and negative impact on daily activities. This study used a convergent parallel mixed methods design to evaluate the impact of an adapted virtual intervention, Fatigue and Activity Management Education in Systemic Sclerosis (FAME-iSS), in the United States. Eighteen people with SSc participated in three separate six-week FAME-iSS programs. Participants completed the modified Fatigue Impact Scale (m-FIS), the Self-Efficacy for Performing Energy Conservation Strategies Assessment (SEPESCA), the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Self-Efficacy for Managing Symptoms, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) before, immediately after, and three months post intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and nonparametric inferential statistics. Participants' perceptions of the program and their use of fatigue management strategies were qualitatively analyzed using content analysis. Eighty-nine percent of participants were women with a mean ± SD age of 52.0 ± 11.6 years and a mean ± SD disease duration of 13.7 ± 14.5 years, and more than 70% had a college degree. Significant improvements were observed for self-efficacy on the PROMIS Self-Efficacy for Managing Symptoms (P = 0.002) and SEPESCA (P = 0.016) immediately post intervention, which continued to significantly improve up to the three-month follow-up (P = 0.006 and 0.035, respectively). Significant improvements were also observed for the m-FIS between baseline and the three-month follow-up (P = 0.029). Participants reported a deeper understanding of fatigue and that they liked sharing strategies and experiences with each other along with the facilitator, citing that "there was a power in our group because we had a common condition." FAME-iSS resulted in improvements in the impact of fatigue and self-efficacy for managing symptoms and performing energy conservation strategies. Feedback was positive, and the virtual format allowed for greater accessibility and sharing of strategies.

Role of Smartphone Applications in the Assessment and Management of Fatigue in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Scoping Review

Fatigue is a common symptom in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and its assessment depends entirely on patient reports. Importantly, managing MS symptoms is increasingly supported by Digital Health Technology (DHT), which includes Mobile Health Technology (mHT). Considering the growing interest, we aimed to synthesise evidence about smartphone applications for the assessment and management of fatigue in MS, as well as to investigate their usability, feasibility, and reliability. We performed a literature search in PubMed, Science Direct, and Embase using a scoping review approach. We included 16 articles and, although many lacked crucial methodological details, DHT was evaluated in all MS clinical subtypes and with disease durations up to more than 20 years. Despite the marked heterogeneity in terms of the employed methods, all documented a high degree of usability, assessed both as feedback from participants and completed tasks. Moreover, the feasibility assessment also showed good results, as apps were able to discriminate between patients with and without fatigue. Importantly, most also showed excellent results in terms of reliability, and some patients reported a reduction in fatigue thanks to mHT. Despite limitations, mHT has been positively evaluated by patients, suggesting a promising role of DHT in the self-management of MS.

Effectiveness Of Massage Therapy On Fatigue In Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: Scoping Review

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have side effects. Side effects felt by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bone marrow damage, peripheral neuropathy, alopecia, pain and fatigue. Fatigue is a condition that occurs in patients because the bone marrow stops producing red blood cells during the chemotherapy process. Fatigue can be severe when patients experience pain, depression and lack of sleep. Fatigue management can be done with non-pharmacological therapy, one of the therapy is massage therapy. Massage therapy can be a manual stimulation of tissues in the body to improve blood circulation, relax muscles, reduce pain and fatigue, and improve sleep quality. Massage therapy can overcome anxiety and reduce fatigue significantly. This study aims to determine the effect of massage therapy on fatigue in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The researchers used several databases such as Pubmed and Science direct. A total of 9 articles were analyzed. In the article there are several massage therapy interventions used to overcome fatigue in cancer patients including accupressure, reflexology, thai massage, back massage, progressive muscle relaxation. Based on several journals that have been analyzed, it can be concluded that the provision of massage therapy interventions can reduce the level of fatigue in cancer patients.

Analisis Pengaruh Iklim Organisasi, Interaksi Psikososial, dan Karakteristik Individu Terhadap Organisasi Kerja dan Konten Pekerjaan

The study explored the impact of organizational climate, psychosocial interactions, and individual characteristics on Work Organization and Job Content at Bank Syariah Indonesia area Lhokseumawe, involving 172 employees as respondents. The mixed-methods research method is used, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. Analysis results with SmartPLS 3 showed that changes in job satisfaction did not significantly affect work organization or job content. Nevertheless, the level of cognitive demand for employees can play an important role in well-being and job satisfaction, especially in a complex Sharia banking environment. The negative relationship between fatigue, work organization, and job content emphasizes the need for fatigue management to reduce turnover intentions and increase job satisfaction. Furthermore, organizational culture (BI) has been shown to significantly influence work organization and job content. (WJ). Research recommendations include the implementation of structured programs such as coaching, counseling, and mentoring to support staff career development. Special attention to fatigue management and mental well-being is emphasized. These recommendations need to be supported by a continuous monitoring system and cooperation with external educational and training institutions. This effort is expected to provide optimum benefits to employees and organizations, creating a satisfactory and productive working environment at Bank Syariah Indonesia area Lhokseumawe.

The Effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Reality as A Complementary Approach and a New Direction in Cancer Related Fatigue Management.

Background: Recent advancements in the field of medical technology have illuminated that the implementation of virtual reality interventions can be highly effective in managing cancer-related fatigue. Moreover, this innovative intervention has demonstrated a substantial improvement in patients' overall well-being and daily functioning. Thus, it represents a promising alternative to traditional pharmacological treatments by effectively addressing symptoms and enhancing quality of life. Therefore, the integration of this approach signifies a significant advancement in patient care. Nevertheless, despite the ongoing efforts to diversify non-pharmacological treatments, pharmacological interventions are still the predominant method for managing cancer-related fatigue. Aim: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality in cancer-related fatigue management, and to explore the main side effects of immersive virtual reality. Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards. Several online databases were used to find eligible studies in peer-reviewed journals relevant to the study keywords. Specifically, the included studies were systematic reviews and clinical trials that used immersive virtual reality-based intervention among adult patients with cancer and suffering from cancer-related fatigue. As well as were published in the English language from 2014 to 2024. As well as, three researchers independently contributed to study selections, data extraction, and study evaluations from different aspects: including quality assessment, risk of bias, and study synthesis. Results: After an extensive and comprehensive search, a total of ten published studies were included in this review study; 6 articles were quantitative clinical trial studies, and the other 4 were systematic review and meta-analysis studies. The quality of 6 included clinical trials was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) Quality Assessment Tool for quantitative studies, the overall result showed that 33.3% of studies rated with moderate quality, no study was rated with low quality, and (66.7%) studies rated as high-quality studies. As well, the quality assessment of all review studies showed that all included systematic reviews and meta-analyses with a low risk of bias and high to moderate power of evidence. The result of this extensive and comprehensive review showed that immersive virtual reality has a significant effect in reducing cancer-related fatigue, however, still, there is a significant variation in the employment of immersive Virtual Reality protocols for cancer symptom management worldwide. Conclusion: Immersive virtual reality is an effective non-pharmacological intervention in reducing and controlling cancer-related fatigue among patients with various types of cancer, as well as being an affordable, cost-effective approach. Nevertheless, there remains a notable gap in the existing literature concerning virtual reality protocols, associated side effects, and the underlying mechanisms by which immersive virtual reality alleviates fatigue. Therefore, further research studies are warranted to address these gaps and advance our understanding in these areas.

Optimizing Wearable Device and Testing Parameters to Monitor Running-Stride Long-Range Correlations for Fatigue Management in Field Settings.

There are important methodological considerations for translating wearable-based gait-monitoring data to field settings. This study investigated different devices' sampling rates, signal lengths, and testing frequencies for athlete monitoring using dynamical systems variables. Secondary analysis of previous wearables data (N = 10 runners) from a 5-week intensive training intervention investigated impacts of sampling rate (100-2000Hz) and signal length (100-300 strides) on detection of gait changes caused by intensive training. Primary analysis of data from 13 separate runners during 1week of field-based testing determined day-to-day stability of outcomes using single-session data and mean data from 2 sessions. Stride-interval long-range correlation coefficient α from detrended fluctuation analysis was the gait outcome variable. Stride-interval α reduced at 100- and 200- versus 300- to 2000-Hz sampling rates (mean difference: -.02 to -.08; P ≤ .045) and at 100- compared to 200- to 300-stride signal lengths (mean difference: -.05 to -.07; P < .010). Effects of intensive training were detected at 100, 200, and 400 to 2000Hz (P ≤ .043) but not 300Hz (P = .069). Within-athlete α variability was lower using 2-session mean versus single-session data (smallest detectable change: .13 and .22, respectively). Detecting altered gait following intensive training was possible using 200 to 300 strides and a 100-Hz sampling rate, although 100 and 200Hz underestimated α compared to higher rates. Using 2-session mean data lowers smallest detectable change values by nearly half compared to single-session data. Coaches, runners, and researchers can use these findings to integrate wearable-device gait monitoring into practice using dynamic systems variables.