Activity Intolerance

DEFINITION:

Insufficient physiologic or psychological energy to endure or complete required or desired daily activities. The common etiology of Activity Intolerance is related to generalized weakness and debilitation from acute or chronic illnesses.

Activity Intolerance is different from Fatigue. Fatigue is an extensive and subjective draining feeling not treated by rest but can also cause tiredness. Further, the goal in Activity Intolerance is to increase tolerance for and endurance of activity. In Fatigue, however, the goal is to assist the patient to adapt to fatigue, and not to increase endurance.

RELATED FACTORS:

Any factors that compromise effective oxygen transport or physical conditioning or create excessive energy demands that surpass the patient’s physical and psychological abilities can cause activity intolerance. Here are some factors that result in Activity Intolerance related to a vascular malformation diagnosis, with or without a leg length discrepancy.

  1. Generalized weakness
  2. Pain
  3. Depression or lack of motivation

ACTION/INTERVENTIONS:

  1. Have the patient perform the activity more slowly, in a longer time with more rest or pauses, or with assistance if necessary. This helps to increasing the tolerance for the activity.
  2. Gradually increase activity with active range-of-motion exercises in bed, increasing to sitting and then standing. Gradual progression of the activity prevents overexertion.
  3. Encourage physical activity consistent with the patient’s energy levels. Helps promote a sense of autonomy while being realistic about capabilities.
  4. Activities should be planned ahead to coincide with the patient’s peak energy level.
  5. Encourage verbalization of feelings regarding limitations. This helps the patient to cope. Acknowledgment that living with activity intolerance is both physically and emotionally difficult.
  6. Exercise maintains muscle strength, joint range of motion (ROM), and exercise tolerance. Physical inactive patients need to improve functional capacity through repetitive exercises over a long period of time. Strength training is valuable in enhancing endurance of many activities of daily living (ADLs).
  7. Provide emotional support and positive attitude regarding abilities.