ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

320 studies

1–20 of 320 studies

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Effect of Prolong Life With Nine Turn Method on chronic fatigue syndrome clinical symptoms and roles of gut microbiota: A exploratory randomized controlled trial.

Cui, Jiahe, Xie, Fangfang, Gu, Yuanjia et al.·Complementary therapies in medicine·2026

This study tested whether a traditional Chinese exercise method called Prolong Life With Nine Turn Method (PLWNT) could help people with ME/CFS feel less tired and have fewer stomach problems. Over 8 weeks, 96 patients either did this exercise program or received cognitive behavioral therapy. The exercise group showed meaningful improvements in fatigue and digestive symptoms, with changes in their gut bacteria that may have contributed to these improvements.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearRCT

Testing the Feasibility of a Self-Help Intervention That Includes Lymphatic Drainage to Reduce Fatigue-Related Symptoms Among Patients with Long COVID in General Practice: Experiences from Our Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT).

Riste, Lisa, Perrin, Raymond, Mulholland, Thomas et al.·Infectious diseases and therapy·2026

Researchers tested whether a simple self-help program including gentle massage, stretching, breathing exercises, and temperature therapy could help reduce fatigue in people with long COVID. About 91% of people who were invited agreed to participate in the study. Those who used the self-help program showed slightly more improvement in their fatigue over three months compared to those who didn't receive the program, suggesting this low-cost approach may help some people feel better.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

The breath and mind connection in young people with post-COVID syndrome: feasibility and acceptability of a pilot randomised co-designed intervention.

Wells, Charlotte, Christie, Deborah, Johnston, Rebecca et al.·European journal of pediatrics·2026

This study tested whether a treatment combining breathing retraining and talk therapy could help young people (ages 12–18) recover from long COVID symptoms. Thirty-two young people received either standard care alone or standard care plus the new intervention over 6 months. Most participants found the intervention helpful and it was practical to run in an NHS clinic, but both groups improved similarly over time, suggesting that natural recovery, rather than the intervention itself, may have driven the improvements.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearRCT

Vitamin D in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome After COVID-19 or Vaccination: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Kodama, Shinichiro, Nakata, Mitsuko, Konishi, Nafuko et al.·Nutrients·2026

This study tested whether vitamin D supplementation could help people with ME/CFS who developed the condition after COVID-19 vaccination or infection and had low vitamin D levels. Half the participants received vitamin D supplements plus guidance on diet and sun exposure, while the other half received only the supplement. The group that received full guidance had significantly more symptom improvement, with 16 people improving enough to no longer meet ME/CFS diagnostic criteria compared to just 1 person in the other group.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Tuina therapy for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Wang, Shoujian, Ren, Jun, Zhou, Xin et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2026

This study tested whether Tuina, a hands-on therapy from traditional Chinese medicine, could help people with ME/CFS feel less tired. Over 4 weeks, people who received Tuina three times per week alongside their usual care felt significantly better than those who received usual care alone. The improvement was especially noticeable for physical tiredness, and people also reported better sleep and less anxiety.

Sleep

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Interpretation bias modification (CBM-I) for fatigue in long term health conditions - A feasibility study.

Hughes, Alicia, Tyson, Gabriella, Moss-Morris, Rona et al.·Behaviour research and therapy·2026

This study tested a new online training program designed to help people with long-term illnesses (including ME/CFS and long COVID) reduce fatigue by changing how they interpret ambiguous situations. People in the study completed 12 online training sessions and were tracked for four months. The training was popular with participants, most people completed it, and it showed promise in reducing fatigue and low mood.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM requiredRCT

A digital platform with activity tracking for energy management support in long COVID: a randomised controlled trial.

Sanal-Hayes, Nilihan Em, Hayes, Lawrence D, Mair, Jacqueline L et al.·Nature communications·2026

Researchers tested whether a smartphone app called 'Pace Me' combined with an activity tracker could help people with long COVID manage their energy better and reduce post-exertional malaise (the worsening of symptoms after activity). Over 6 months, some participants used the app with the tracker and received helpful messages when they approached their daily activity limit, while others used a basic version of the app. Both groups improved slightly, but there was no meaningful difference between them.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearRCT

The Use of Heart Rate Variability-Biofeedback (HRV-BF) as an Adjunctive Intervention in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CSF/ME) in Long COVID: Results of a Phase II Controlled Feasibility Trial.

Cossu, Giulia, Kalcev, Goce, Primavera, Diego et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2025

This study tested whether a technique called heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BF)—which uses breathing exercises and computer feedback to help regulate your nervous system—could help people with Long COVID who have severe fatigue. Participants received 10 sessions over 5 weeks, and the results showed that people in the treatment group experienced greater improvement in severe fatigue compared to those receiving usual care. The treatment was well-tolerated with very few people dropping out, suggesting it could be a helpful add-on therapy for ME/CFS.

Autonomic Nervous System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM requiredRCT

Effects of recumbent isometric yoga on the daily functioning level of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized, controlled trial.

Oka, Takakazu, Lkhagvasuren, Battuvshin, Yamada, Yu·BioPsychoSocial medicine·2025

Researchers tested whether a gentle yoga program designed for bedridden ME/CFS patients could help improve their daily functioning and fatigue. Patients in the yoga group practiced recumbent (lying-down) isometric yoga for about 12 weeks alongside their regular treatment, while the control group received standard treatment alone. The yoga group showed significantly better improvements in functioning and fatigue levels, especially those with severe disease or fibromyalgia, with no serious side effects reported.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

"The effect of acupressure on fatigue in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome".

Kurç, Doğukan, Şakul, Ayşe Arzu Sayin, Atilgan, Esra·Explore (New York, N.Y.)·2025

This study tested whether acupressure—a technique where pressure is applied to specific points on the body—could help reduce fatigue in people with ME/CFS who work in offices. Thirty-nine people received either 10 acupressure sessions over 4 weeks or no treatment. Those who received acupressure reported significantly less fatigue, better mood, and improved quality of life compared to those who received no treatment.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearObservational

Integrative multimodal treatment approach for patients suffering from Post-COVID syndrome: a study based on qualitative interviews with individuals participating in an 11-week day clinic program.

Uecker, Christine, Schlee, Christoph, Utz, Sandra et al.·Frontiers in public health·2025

This study looked at whether a combined treatment program could help people with Post-COVID syndrome (including severe cases similar to ME/CFS). Twenty patients participated in an 11-week day clinic program that used multiple approaches like physical therapy, nutrition, stress management, and mental health support. Patients reported feeling significantly better after the program, with improvements in fatigue, pain, and their ability to cope with daily activities.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Chronic fatigue syndrome post-COVID-19: triple-blind randomised clinical trial of Astragalus root extract.

Banihashemi, Zahra-Sadat, Azizi-Fini, Ismail, Rajabi, Mahdi et al.·BMJ supportive & palliative care·2025

Researchers tested whether Astragalus root extract, a herbal supplement, could help nurses with post-COVID chronic fatigue. Half the nurses received the supplement (500 mg twice daily) and half received a placebo, and fatigue levels were measured before, at the end, and one month after treatment. The group taking Astragalus showed significant improvements in fatigue symptoms, while the placebo group did not improve as much.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearRCT

Physical function and psychosocial outcomes after a 6-month self-paced aquatic exercise program for individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Broadbent, Suzanne, Coetzee, Sonja, Calder, Angela et al.·European journal of applied physiology·2025

This study tested whether gentle water-based exercise could help people with ME/CFS. Thirty-two people were split into two groups: one did 20-minute water exercise sessions twice a week for 6 months, while the other group didn't exercise. The exercise group improved their walking distance, leg strength, and reported less fatigue and depression, without experiencing any symptom flare-ups or harm.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearRCT

Relationships between fatigue, cognitive function, and upright activity in a randomized trial of oxaloacetate for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Vernon, Suzanne D, Rond, Candace, Sun, Yifei et al.·Frontiers in neurology·2025

This study tested whether a compound called oxaloacetate (OAA) could help people with ME/CFS feel less fatigued and think more clearly. Over 90 days, people taking OAA showed better cognitive improvement and slightly more ability to stay upright compared to those taking a placebo. The results suggest that fatigue and thinking problems are closely linked in ME/CFS, and treating one may help improve the other.

Cognitive Impairment

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearRCT

Solriamfetol improves daily fatigue symptoms in adults with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome after 8 weeks of treatment.

Young, Joel L, Powell, Richard N, Powell, Anna et al.·Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)·2025

Researchers tested whether a medication called solriamfetol could help reduce fatigue in people with ME/CFS. In this 8-week study, some patients received the medication (starting at 75mg and potentially increasing to 150mg) while others received a placebo. By week 8, patients taking solriamfetol reported significantly less severe fatigue compared to those on placebo, and they also showed improvements in thinking and memory abilities. The medication was generally well tolerated, though some people experienced sleep problems and headaches.

Cognitive Impairment

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on heart rate variability in chronic fatigue syndrome patients: Regulating the autonomic nervous system in a clinical randomized controlled trial.

Li, Tong, Litscher, Gerhard, Zhou, Yudian et al.·Complementary therapies in medicine·2025

This study tested whether acupuncture and moxibustion (a traditional heat therapy) could help people with chronic fatigue syndrome by measuring changes in heart rate variability, which reflects how well the nervous system is working. Researchers divided 175 CFS patients into groups receiving different acupuncture treatments, fake acupuncture, or moxibustion over 10 sessions. Both acupuncture and moxibustion reduced fatigue symptoms, with combining both approaches working best, and the treatments appeared to help balance the body's stress response system.

Autonomic Nervous System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM requiredRCT

Assessing fatigue in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients before and after treatment with bright light therapy: A prospective randomized controlled crossover study.

Ludwig, Birgit, Hauer, Lea, Böck, Marion et al.·Sleep medicine·2025

Researchers tested whether bright light therapy—using special light boxes at home for two weeks—could help reduce fatigue in ME/CFS patients. While fatigue scores did improve immediately after the light therapy, these improvements did not remain significant when compared fairly to a waitlist control group. The study did find that bright light therapy may have helped patients concentrate better and react faster to tasks.

Autonomic Nervous SystemCognitive Impairment

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Prevalence of Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions in Participants With Chronic Low Back Pain Enrolled in a Pragmatic Trial of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.

Miller, Vanessa Eve, Barnhill, Jessica, Greco, Carol M et al.·European journal of pain (London, England)·2025

This study looked at people with chronic low back pain to see how often they also have other long-term pain conditions like fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and ME/CFS. Researchers found that 45% of people with back pain also had at least one other chronic pain condition, and these people reported more pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression than those with back pain alone. The study suggests that chronic pain conditions often occur together and may share similar underlying causes.

Pain and Sensitization

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Evaluating the Effects of Crocus sativus L. Herbal Product on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Dastan, Farzaneh, Salamzadeh, Jamshid, Heshmatnia, Jalal et al.·Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research : IJPR·2025

This study tested whether saffron extract could help reduce extreme tiredness in people who have both COPD (a lung disease) and chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers gave one group of patients saffron capsules twice daily for 8 weeks, while another group received a placebo (dummy pill). The saffron group showed significant improvement in fatigue and quality of life compared to the placebo group.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Exercise rehabilitation in post COVID-19 patients: a randomized controlled trial of different training modalities.

Sick, Johanna, Steinbacher, Verena, Kotnik, Daniel et al.·European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine·2025

This study tested whether exercise could help people recover from long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms like fatigue and reduced fitness. Sixty-three people with post-COVID symptoms were divided into three groups: one did endurance exercise, one did mixed strength and endurance exercise, and one did no exercise. After 12 weeks, both exercise groups improved their heart fitness and felt less fatigued, while the non-exercise group showed less improvement.

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Effect of Prolong Life With Nine Turn Method on chronic fatigue syndrome clinical symptoms and roles of gut microbiota: A exploratory randomized controlled trial.

Testing the Feasibility of a Self-Help Intervention That Includes Lymphatic Drainage to Reduce Fatigue-Related Symptoms Among Patients with Long COVID in General Practice: Experiences from Our Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT).

The breath and mind connection in young people with post-COVID syndrome: feasibility and acceptability of a pilot randomised co-designed intervention.

Vitamin D in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome After COVID-19 or Vaccination: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Tuina therapy for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Interpretation bias modification (CBM-I) for fatigue in long term health conditions - A feasibility study.

A digital platform with activity tracking for energy management support in long COVID: a randomised controlled trial.

The Use of Heart Rate Variability-Biofeedback (HRV-BF) as an Adjunctive Intervention in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CSF/ME) in Long COVID: Results of a Phase II Controlled Feasibility Trial.

Effects of recumbent isometric yoga on the daily functioning level of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized, controlled trial.

"The effect of acupressure on fatigue in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome".

Integrative multimodal treatment approach for patients suffering from Post-COVID syndrome: a study based on qualitative interviews with individuals participating in an 11-week day clinic program.

Chronic fatigue syndrome post-COVID-19: triple-blind randomised clinical trial of Astragalus root extract.

Physical function and psychosocial outcomes after a 6-month self-paced aquatic exercise program for individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Relationships between fatigue, cognitive function, and upright activity in a randomized trial of oxaloacetate for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Solriamfetol improves daily fatigue symptoms in adults with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome after 8 weeks of treatment.

Effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on heart rate variability in chronic fatigue syndrome patients: Regulating the autonomic nervous system in a clinical randomized controlled trial.

Assessing fatigue in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients before and after treatment with bright light therapy: A prospective randomized controlled crossover study.

Prevalence of Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions in Participants With Chronic Low Back Pain Enrolled in a Pragmatic Trial of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.

Evaluating the Effects of Crocus sativus L. Herbal Product on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Exercise rehabilitation in post COVID-19 patients: a randomized controlled trial of different training modalities.

Curated Collections

Neuroinflammation Evidence

Metabolism & Mitochondria

Biomarkers

PEM-Specific Research

Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

Effect of Prolong Life With Nine Turn Method on chronic fatigue syndrome clinical symptoms and roles of gut microbiota: A exploratory randomized controlled trial.

Testing the Feasibility of a Self-Help Intervention That Includes Lymphatic Drainage to Reduce Fatigue-Related Symptoms Among Patients with Long COVID in General Practice: Experiences from Our Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT).

The breath and mind connection in young people with post-COVID syndrome: feasibility and acceptability of a pilot randomised co-designed intervention.

Vitamin D in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome After COVID-19 or Vaccination: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Tuina therapy for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Interpretation bias modification (CBM-I) for fatigue in long term health conditions - A feasibility study.

A digital platform with activity tracking for energy management support in long COVID: a randomised controlled trial.

The Use of Heart Rate Variability-Biofeedback (HRV-BF) as an Adjunctive Intervention in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CSF/ME) in Long COVID: Results of a Phase II Controlled Feasibility Trial.

Effects of recumbent isometric yoga on the daily functioning level of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized, controlled trial.

"The effect of acupressure on fatigue in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome".

Integrative multimodal treatment approach for patients suffering from Post-COVID syndrome: a study based on qualitative interviews with individuals participating in an 11-week day clinic program.

Chronic fatigue syndrome post-COVID-19: triple-blind randomised clinical trial of Astragalus root extract.

Physical function and psychosocial outcomes after a 6-month self-paced aquatic exercise program for individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Relationships between fatigue, cognitive function, and upright activity in a randomized trial of oxaloacetate for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Solriamfetol improves daily fatigue symptoms in adults with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome after 8 weeks of treatment.

Effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on heart rate variability in chronic fatigue syndrome patients: Regulating the autonomic nervous system in a clinical randomized controlled trial.

Assessing fatigue in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients before and after treatment with bright light therapy: A prospective randomized controlled crossover study.

Prevalence of Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions in Participants With Chronic Low Back Pain Enrolled in a Pragmatic Trial of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.

Evaluating the Effects of Crocus sativus L. Herbal Product on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Exercise rehabilitation in post COVID-19 patients: a randomized controlled trial of different training modalities.

Curated Collections

Neuroinflammation Evidence

Metabolism & Mitochondria

Biomarkers

PEM-Specific Research

Integrative multimodal treatment approach for patients suffering from Post-COVID syndrome: a study based on qualitative interviews with individuals participating in an 11-week day clinic program.