DIFFERENTIAL ALIGNMENT OF SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE MEASURES OF EFFORT BY OLDER ADULTS IN AN IADL. (16th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Raichur, V; Mejia, S; Nielsen, K; Carmichael, A; Gonzalez, R
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 2(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 925
• Page End: 925
• Publication Date: 2018-11-16
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy031.3439
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Common measures of functional limitations in completing instrumental tasks often rely on self-reports, which complicates the assessment of how tools may assist or hinder task completion. In this study we examined differences in the alignment of older adults' subjective and objective dimensions of effort while dishwashing using standard and assistive soap bottles. The assistive bottle was lighter than the standard bottle and was designed to conform to the shape of user's hand and prevent leaks/spills by dispensing soap only when squeezed. Sixty women (age 60+) with self-reported arthritis in the hands completed a standardized dishwashing task using both bottles. Participants performed the dishwashing task over three lab visits during which the level of soap in both bottles was reduced in a controlled manner from full to almost empty. Self-reported effort was logged after each dishwashing session. Objective measures of effort included peak muscle activity recorded via electromyography from both forearms, and the time required to dispense soap (behavioral coding). At the end of the study, 40% of the participants indicated that they preferred the assistive to the standard bottle. Perceived effort was associated with muscle activity in the assistive preference group, whereas in the standard preference group, it was associated with time to dispense soap. These results illustrate how preference differentiates the dimensions of objective effort that are associated with perceived effort. While the present study focused on dishwashing, the overall approach can be extended to understand the features leading to perceived effort for other instrumental activities of daily living.