ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2784 studies

961–980 of 2,784 studies

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Effects of a short-term aquatic exercise intervention on symptoms and exercise capacity in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a pilot study.

Broadbent, Suzanne, Coetzee, Sonja, Beavers, Rosalind·European journal of applied physiology·2018

This small study looked at whether exercising in water could help women with ME/CFS. Eleven women did gentle water exercise twice a week for 4 weeks, and researchers measured their strength, fitness, and fatigue levels before and after. The women were able to walk farther, felt less tired and had less pain after the program, and nobody reported feeling worse from the exercise.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Characteristics and determinants of dietary intake and physical activity in a group of patients with multiple chemical sensitivity.

Aguilar-Aguilar, Elena, Marcos-Pasero, Helena, de la Iglesia, Rocío et al.·Endocrinologia, diabetes y nutricion·2018

This study looked at the eating habits and exercise levels of 52 people with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), a condition where people react badly to everyday chemicals. The researchers found that most patients weren't eating enough fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, were taking many supplements, and very few were exercising regularly. The study suggests that better nutritional guidance tailored to each person's needs could help improve their health and quality of life.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

The etiologic relation between disequilibrium and orthostatic intolerance in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome).

Miwa, Kunihisa, Inoue, Yukichi·Journal of cardiology·2018

This study looked at 44 ME/CFS patients to understand why they struggle to stay upright (orthostatic intolerance). Researchers found that balance problems—difficulty staying steady when standing with eyes closed—were common and seemed to make orthostatic intolerance worse. Patients with balance problems were more likely to have trouble completing a 10-minute standing test than those with only heart rate changes, suggesting balance issues may be just as important as blood pressure and heart rate problems in ME/CFS.

Autonomic Nervous System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Sleep patterns among patients with chronic fatigue: A polysomnography-based study.

Pajediene, Evelina, Bileviciute-Ljungar, Indre, Friberg, Danielle·The clinical respiratory journal·2018

This study looked at sleep problems in people with chronic fatigue by using a sleep monitoring test called polysomnography. Researchers found that more than half of the fatigued patients who also felt excessively sleepy had treatable sleep disorders like sleep apnea, restless legs, or periodic leg movements. The authors suggest that people with these symptoms should be tested for sleep disorders and treated before being diagnosed with ME/CFS, since fixing the sleep problem might help with fatigue.

Sleep

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredLongitudinal

Longitudinal associations of lymphocyte subsets with clinical outcomes in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Mehalick, Melissa L, Schmaling, Karen B, Sabath, Daniel E et al.·Fatigue : biomedicine, health & behavior·2018

This study looked at how different types of immune cells (called lymphocytes) change over 18 months in people with ME/CFS and whether these changes connected to symptom severity and physical ability. Researchers tracked three types of immune cells in 93 ME/CFS patients and measured their fatigue, physical functioning, and energy levels over time. They found that certain immune cell patterns were linked to worse physical function and more symptoms, suggesting the immune system may play a role in ME/CFS severity.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Adolescent's descriptions of fatigue, fluctuation and payback in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy (CFS/ME): interviews with adolescents and parents.

Parslow, Roxanne M, Anderson, Nina, Byrne, Danielle et al.·BMJ paediatrics open·2018

Researchers interviewed 21 teenagers with ME/CFS and their parents to understand how they experience fatigue and symptoms. All the teenagers described fatigue, good days and bad days, and getting worse after activity (called payback). However, each teenager's experience was different—some felt constantly tired while others had more variable symptoms, and the impact on their daily lives ranged from minor activity limitations to being mostly sedentary.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModeratePEM not requiredRegistry-Resource

Supplementation with Robuvit® in subjects with burnout associated to high oxidative stress.

Belcaro, Gianni, Hosoi, Morio, Feragalli, Beatrice et al.·Minerva medica·2018

This study tested whether a supplement called Robuvit® (made from French oak wood) could help people with burnout syndrome who experience severe fatigue and high oxidative stress (a type of cellular damage). Over 4 weeks, people taking Robuvit® showed improvements in emotional exhaustion, job satisfaction, and stress levels compared to those receiving standard treatment alone. The supplement also reduced markers of oxidative stress in the blood.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Insights into myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome phenotypes through comprehensive metabolomics.

Nagy-Szakal, Dorottya, Barupal, Dinesh K, Lee, Bohyun et al.·Scientific reports·2018

Researchers studied blood and gut bacteria samples from 50 people with ME/CFS and 50 healthy people to find biological markers of the disease. They found that people with ME/CFS have abnormal levels of certain substances in their blood called metabolites, particularly a fatty molecule called ceramide in those who also have irritable bowel syndrome. When scientists combined information about both blood metabolites and gut bacteria, they could identify ME/CFS patients more accurately than using either test alone.

Biomarkers

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Decreased Connectivity and Increased Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent Complexity in the Default Mode Network in Individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Shan, Zack Y, Finegan, Kevin, Bhuta, Sandeep et al.·Brain connectivity·2018

This study used brain imaging to look at how a specific network in the brain (called the default mode network) works differently in people with ME/CFS compared to healthy people. Researchers found that in ME/CFS patients, this brain network shows more chaotic activity and weaker communication between different regions. These differences might one day help doctors diagnose ME/CFS using brain scans.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Grey and white matter differences in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - A voxel-based morphometry study.

Finkelmeyer, Andreas, He, Jiabao, Maclachlan, Laura et al.·NeuroImage. Clinical·2018

Researchers used advanced brain imaging (MRI) to compare the brains of 42 people with ME/CFS to 30 healthy people. They found differences in how much grey matter and white matter the ME/CFS patients had in certain brain regions. Specifically, people with ME/CFS had more grey matter in areas that process internal body signals and stress, but less white matter in regions involved in the brainstem and midbrain.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Structural brain changes versus self-report: machine-learning classification of chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

Sevel, Landrew S, Boissoneault, Jeff, Letzen, Janelle E et al.·Experimental brain research·2018

Researchers compared two methods for identifying ME/CFS patients: looking at structural brain changes on MRI scans versus asking patients to rate their symptoms like fatigue, pain, and sleep quality. While brain imaging showed some useful differences between ME/CFS patients and healthy people, patients' own descriptions of their symptoms were actually better at identifying who had ME/CFS.

Biomarkers

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

A Concurrent Cognitive Task Does Not Perturb Quiet Standing in Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Rasouli, Omid, Fors, Egil A, Vasseljen, Ottar et al.·Pain research & management·2018

This study examined how well people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia can balance while standing still, and whether doing mental math at the same time makes balancing harder. Researchers found that both ME/CFS and fibromyalgia patients had slightly worse balance control than healthy people, but surprisingly, adding a math task didn't make their balance worse—unlike what researchers expected.

Cognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Pitfalls in cytokine measurements - Plasma TGF-β1 in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Roerink, M E, van der Schaaf, M E, Hawinkels, L J A C et al.·The Netherlands journal of medicine·2018

This study measured a protein called TGF-β1 in the blood of ME/CFS patients compared to healthy people. Previous research suggested this protein was elevated in ME/CFS, but the researchers found that how blood samples are processed in the lab—specifically how fast they spin them—dramatically affects the results. When they carefully controlled this process, they found no actual difference in TGF-β1 levels between patients and healthy controls.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredLongitudinal

Dry eye syndrome and the subsequent risk of chronic fatigue syndrome-a prospective population-based study in Taiwan.

Chen, Chih-Sheng, Cheng, Hui-Man, Chen, Hsuan-Ju et al.·Oncotarget·2018

This study found that people with dry eye syndrome (DES) are more likely to develop ME/CFS than those without dry eye problems. Researchers followed patients in Taiwan over many years and discovered that those with dry eye had about twice the risk of developing ME/CFS. Even after accounting for age, sex, and other health conditions, the increased risk remained significant.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Latent class analysis of a heterogeneous international sample of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Huber, Kayla A, Sunnquist, Madison, Jason, Leonard A·Fatigue : biomedicine, health & behavior·2018

This study looked at 1,210 ME/CFS patients to see if there are different types or subtypes of the illness based on their symptoms. Researchers found six distinct groups of patients, each experiencing different combinations of symptoms like heart and blood pressure problems, dizziness when standing, and digestive issues. Importantly, patients in different groups had very different abilities to function in daily life, suggesting that tailored treatment approaches might work better than one-size-fits-all care.

Autonomic Nervous System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Hyperintense sensorimotor T1 spin echo MRI is associated with brainstem abnormality in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Barnden, Leighton R, Shan, Zack Y, Staines, Donald R et al.·NeuroImage. Clinical·2018

Researchers used advanced MRI scans to compare the brains of 43 people with ME/CFS and 27 healthy people. They found that people with ME/CFS had different patterns in their brainstem (the base of the brain that controls basic functions) and in the sensorimotor areas (parts that control movement and sensation). The study suggests that the body may be compensating for problems in the brainstem by increasing protective coating around nerve fibers in motor control areas.

Neuroinflammation

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

A reexamination of the cognitive behavioral model of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Sunnquist, Madison, Jason, Leonard A·Journal of clinical psychology·2018

This study tested whether the idea that ME/CFS is caused or worsened mainly by unhelpful thoughts and not being active enough actually explains what happens to patients with ME/CFS. Researchers looked at 990 people with ME/CFS and found this explanation didn't fit well, especially for people who met stricter diagnostic criteria. The findings suggest that ME/CFS may work differently than this model assumes.

Diagnostics

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Effects of unsupportive social interactions, stigma, and symptoms on patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome.

McManimen, Stephanie L, McClellan, Damani, Stoothoff, Jamie et al.·Journal of community psychology·2018

This study looked at why some ME/CFS patients experience suicidal thoughts and depression. Researchers found that patients who felt blamed for their illness, had their symptoms minimized by others, or felt socially rejected were more likely to experience both depression and suicidal thoughts. Importantly, some patients had suicidal thoughts without meeting the criteria for clinical depression, suggesting that stigma and unsupported social interactions alone can be harmful.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

Deconstructing post-exertional malaise in myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome: A patient-centered, cross-sectional survey.

Chu, Lily, Valencia, Ian J, Garvert, Donn W et al.·PloS one·2018

This study asked 150 ME/CFS patients to describe what happens when they experience post-exertional malaise (PEM)—the characteristic crash that follows physical activity, mental effort, or emotional stress. Researchers found that 90% of patients experienced PEM from all three types of triggers, with fatigue being the most common symptom, but also cognitive problems, sleep issues, headaches, and muscle pain. Most patients' PEM lasted at least 24 hours, though the timing and severity varied from person to person.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Functional Status and Well-Being in People with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Compared with People with Multiple Sclerosis and Healthy Controls.

Kingdon, Caroline C, Bowman, Erinna W, Curran, Hayley et al.·PharmacoEconomics - open·2018

This study compared how much ME/CFS affects people's daily lives compared to people with multiple sclerosis and healthy people. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS reported significantly worse physical function, ability to work, and social activities than the other two groups. People with ME/CFS also worked fewer hours and earned less money, showing the real-world impact of the illness on their lives.

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Effects of a short-term aquatic exercise intervention on symptoms and exercise capacity in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a pilot study.

Characteristics and determinants of dietary intake and physical activity in a group of patients with multiple chemical sensitivity.

The etiologic relation between disequilibrium and orthostatic intolerance in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome).

Sleep patterns among patients with chronic fatigue: A polysomnography-based study.

Longitudinal associations of lymphocyte subsets with clinical outcomes in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Adolescent's descriptions of fatigue, fluctuation and payback in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy (CFS/ME): interviews with adolescents and parents.

Supplementation with Robuvit® in subjects with burnout associated to high oxidative stress.

Insights into myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome phenotypes through comprehensive metabolomics.

Decreased Connectivity and Increased Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent Complexity in the Default Mode Network in Individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Grey and white matter differences in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - A voxel-based morphometry study.

Structural brain changes versus self-report: machine-learning classification of chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

A Concurrent Cognitive Task Does Not Perturb Quiet Standing in Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Pitfalls in cytokine measurements - Plasma TGF-β1 in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Dry eye syndrome and the subsequent risk of chronic fatigue syndrome-a prospective population-based study in Taiwan.

Latent class analysis of a heterogeneous international sample of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Hyperintense sensorimotor T1 spin echo MRI is associated with brainstem abnormality in chronic fatigue syndrome.

A reexamination of the cognitive behavioral model of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Effects of unsupportive social interactions, stigma, and symptoms on patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Deconstructing post-exertional malaise in myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome: A patient-centered, cross-sectional survey.

Functional Status and Well-Being in People with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Compared with People with Multiple Sclerosis and Healthy Controls.

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