Evidence that feelings of energy and fatigue are associated differently with gait characteristics and balance: an exploratory study

Balance and gait assessments are commonly implemented to screen for injury risks and function by clinicians. Recent evidence in older adults suggests that feelings of energy and fatigue influence gait and balance however, there is limited evidence on the influence of these moods on gait and balance in young adults. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of self-reported feelings of fatigue and energy on characteristics of gait and balance in healthy young adults. Participants (n = 97) completed the experimental procedure in a single testing session. Feelings of energy and fatigue were measured using the 30-item Profile of Mood States-Short Form. Participants were fitted with inertial sensors then completed a modified Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction and Balance to assess balance and walked for 2 minutes around a 6m track. Backwards multiple linear regression models were used to test associations between selfreported fatigue and energy with balance and gait characteristics. The backwards regression models with gait characteristic predicted 9.1% and 20.0% variance for fatigue and energy, respectively. Feelings of fatigue significantly impacted balance variables only when subjects stood on a firm surface with their eyes open however, feelings of energy significantly influenced balance variables when eyes were open both on firm and a foam surface. Neither mood influenced balance in either of the vision occluded conditions. Findings suggest that feelings of fatigue and energy uniquely impact gait characteristics and balance of healthy young adults, furthering our understanding of energy and fatigue as separate moods.