Evaluation of the effect of energy conservation techniques in the performance of activity of daily living tasks.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether energy conservation techniques during common activity of daily living tasks actually result in lower energy expenditure, and to document subjective comments regarding any differences in the perceived level of effort.


METHODS
Descriptive study comparing energy expenditure in three tasks with and without energy conservation techniques, taking into account the effect of age.


METHODS
Occupational therapy department of a rehabilitation hospital in Hong Kong.


METHODS
One hundred and eight subjects (30 < 60 years; 78 > or = 60 years) were recruited from staff and members of an elderly social centre in the community.


METHODS
Energy expenditure was measured using a portable indirect calorimetry system for three tasks (shopping, washing clothes and hanging laundry) with and without energy conservation techniques. Dyspnoea, fatigue and perceived exertion were measured using visual analogue scales.


RESULTS
Reduction in energy expenditure using energy conservation techniques for shopping and hanging laundry was documented in younger subjects only (O2 consumption fell from 13.8 +/- 3.7 to 12.2 +/- 3.8 mL/min per kg for shopping, P < 0.001 and 5.9 +/- 1.2 to 5.0 -/+ 1.2 mL/min per kg, P < 0.001 for hanging laundry), although the older subjects experienced less perceived exertion with the energy conservation techniques. For washing clothes, no reduction in energy expenditure was observed in either age groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Measurable benefits were observed with use of labour-saving equipment and avoidance of overhead reaching in younger subjects only.
Ip
W M
WM
Department of Occupational Therapy, Shatin Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
Woo
J
J
Yue
S Y
SY
Kwan
M
M
Sum
S M W
SM
Kwok
T
T
Hui
S S C
SS
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012046:Rehabilitation; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis