ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2081–2100 of 6,160 studies

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredObservational

Significant other behavioural responses and patient chronic fatigue syndrome symptom fluctuations in the context of daily life: An experience sampling study.

Band, Rebecca, Barrowclough, Christine, Emsley, Richard et al.·British journal of health psychology·2016

This study looked at how the way family members and partners respond to ME/CFS symptoms affects patients' day-to-day experiences. Researchers asked 23 ME/CFS patients and their loved ones to report on their interactions and symptoms six times daily for a week using smartphones. They found that negative or unhelpful responses from loved ones made symptoms and distress worse in the moment, while overly helpful responses sometimes led to less activity, but these effects were temporary rather than lasting.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Binocular Vision in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Godts, Daisy, Moorkens, Greta, Mathysen, Danny G P·The American orthoptic journal·2016

This study found that people with ME/CFS have differences in how their eyes work together compared to healthy people. Specifically, ME/CFS patients had weaker ability to focus both eyes on nearby objects, reduced eye convergence (bringing eyes together to focus), and a smaller range of accommodation (adjusting focus from far to near). The researchers suggest that ME/CFS patients may benefit from reading glasses or vision exercises earlier than other people.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Factors in Patient Empowerment: A Survey of an Online Patient Research Network.

Chiauzzi, Emil, DasMahapatra, Pronabesh, Cochin, Elisenda et al.·The patient·2016

This study asked nearly 4,000 patients with various chronic illnesses—including ME/CFS—about how involved they feel in managing their own health. Researchers found that patients often struggle to align their treatment goals with their doctors and don't always get enough time with their physicians. The study identified two main factors that help patients feel empowered: having positive interactions with their healthcare providers and feeling knowledgeable and in control of their care.

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Distinctive personality profiles of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

Ablin, Jacob N, Zohar, Ada H, Zaraya-Blum, Reut et al.·PeerJ·2016

This study looked at whether people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome have different personality patterns. Researchers surveyed 204 patients and found two distinct groups: one group tended to worry more, avoid situations that felt threatening, had difficulty identifying their emotions, and received less social support; the other group showed more resilience and healthier coping patterns. Importantly, these personality differences existed even though the groups had similar illness severity, suggesting that how people psychologically respond to their illness varies significantly.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredLongitudinal

Workers on transformation of the shelter object of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant into an ecologically-safe system show qEEG abnormalities and cognitive dysfunctions: A follow-up study.

Loganovsky, Konstantyn, Perchuk, Iryna, Marazziti, Donatella·The world journal of biological psychiatry : the official journal of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry·2016

This study followed 196 workers who helped clean up and secure the damaged Chernobyl nuclear reactor between 2004 and 2008. Researchers tested their brain electrical activity and thinking skills before and after the work. The workers showed changes in brain wave patterns and developed mild memory and concentration problems after exposure to radiation, similar to symptoms seen in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Cognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Variability of postural orthostatic tachycardia in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis and orthostatic intolerance.

Miwa, Kunihisa·Heart and vessels·2016

This study looked at how the hearts and nervous systems of 24 ME/CFS patients with orthostatic intolerance (dizziness or fatigue when standing) behaved on their "good days" versus "bad days." Researchers found that on bad days, patients' hearts raced more when standing up, they couldn't stand as long, and their hearts pumped less blood—suggesting their nervous systems were working abnormally, sometimes overactive and sometimes underactive.

Autonomic Nervous System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) symptom-based phenotypes in two clinical cohorts of adult patients in the UK and The Netherlands.

Collin, Simon M, Nikolaus, Stephanie, Heron, Jon et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2016

This study looked at how ME/CFS symptoms vary from person to person by analyzing data from over 8,000 patients in the UK and Netherlands. Researchers found that ME/CFS patients fall into about 6 different groups based on which symptoms they experience—some have many symptoms, some mainly have pain, and others have very few symptoms beyond the core three (fatigue, brain fog, and sleep problems). Women and people who have been ill longer tended to have more symptoms overall.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredObservational

Chronic fatigue syndrome: comparing outcomes in White British and Black and minority ethnic patients after cognitive-behavioural therapy.

Ingman, Tom, Ali, Sheila, Bhui, Kamaldeep et al.·The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science·2016

This study looked at whether cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)—a talking therapy that helps change thought patterns and behaviours—works equally well for ME/CFS patients from Black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds compared to White British patients. Both groups showed significant improvements in fatigue, physical functioning, and ability to work or socialise after CBT treatment. Importantly, BME patients improved despite starting with more negative beliefs about their condition and more avoidance behaviours.

Interventions

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

Reduced cardiac volumes in chronic fatigue syndrome associate with plasma volume but not length of disease: a cohort study.

Newton, Julia L, Finkelmeyer, Andreas, Petrides, George et al.·Open heart·2016

This study found that people with ME/CFS have smaller hearts and lower blood volumes than healthy people. Interestingly, these differences were not related to how long someone had been sick, suggesting the heart changes are not simply from being inactive. Patients with more severe fatigue tended to have lower plasma volume (the liquid part of blood), which might be a target for future treatment.

Autonomic Nervous System

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCase-Control

Stressful Events in the Onset of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Gimeno Pi, Iraida, Guitard Sein-Echaluce, M Luisa, Rosselló Aubach, Lluís et al.·Revista espanola de salud publica·2016

This study looked at whether stressful life events might trigger ME/CFS by comparing 77 people with the disease to 77 healthy people of similar age, sex, and education. Researchers found that certain stressful experiences—like pregnancy, domestic abuse, workplace bullying, eating disorders, car accidents, money problems, and sleep disruptions—occurred more often in people before they developed ME/CFS. The study suggests that identifying these stressful events in at-risk people might help doctors recognize ME/CFS earlier.

Sleep

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearLongitudinal

Neurocognitive complaints and functional status among patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Schmaling, Karen B, Betterton, Karran L·Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation·2016

This study followed 93 patients with ME/CFS over 18 months to understand how cognitive problems (like memory and perception difficulties) and physical function change over time. Patients who had both ME/CFS and fibromyalgia reported more pain, worse physical function, and more cognitive difficulties than those with ME/CFS alone. Interestingly, pain improved over time only for the ME/CFS-only group, suggesting that having both conditions may make recovery slower and more complicated.

Cognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

TauG-guidance of dynamic balance control during gait initiation in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Rasouli, Omid, Stensdotter, Ann-Katrin, Van der Meer, Audrey L H·Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)·2016

This study looked at how people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia balance themselves when they start to walk. Using special equipment that measures foot pressure, researchers found that patients with both conditions had more difficulty controlling their weight shift onto one foot compared to healthy people. This suggests that balance problems in these conditions aren't just about standing still—they also affect the dynamic movements needed for everyday activities like walking.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Genetic evaluation of AMPD1, CPT2, and PGYM metabolic enzymes in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Maltese, P E, Venturini, L, Poplavskaya, E et al.·Genetics and molecular research : GMR·2016

This study looked at three genes that help muscles produce energy during physical activity. The researchers compared these genes in 17 patients with ME/CFS and 50 healthy people to see if differences in these genes might explain why ME/CFS patients experience severe fatigue after exertion. The study found no significant genetic differences between the two groups, suggesting these particular genes are not responsible for causing ME/CFS.

Energy Metabolism

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Comparison of the functional health limitations of Iraq or Afghanistan Veterans to Desert Shield/Storm Veterans with chronic fatigue syndrome.

McAndrew, Lisa M, Chandler, Helena K, Serrador, Jorge M et al.·Military behavioral health·2016

This study looked at veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars who developed ME/CFS (a condition causing persistent fatigue and other symptoms) and compared them to veterans from the 1991 Gulf War who also had ME/CFS. The researchers found that about 1 in 6 Iraq/Afghanistan veterans developed ME/CFS, and while their physical symptoms were similar to Gulf War veterans with ME/CFS, they experienced more mental health challenges like depression or anxiety.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredLongitudinal

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome at Age 16 Years.

Collin, Simon M, Norris, Tom, Nuevo, Roberto et al.·Pediatrics·2016

This study found that about 1.9% of 16-year-olds in the UK experience chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)—a condition causing severe, long-lasting tiredness that lasts at least 6 months and cannot be explained by other illnesses. Girls were nearly twice as likely as boys to have CFS at this age, and young people experiencing more family stress or difficulties were at higher risk. Children with CFS missed significantly more school than their peers.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Occupational exposure and health problems among Polish denturists: a population-based study in Łódź province.

Garus-Pakowska, Anna, Leśniewska, Agnieszka, Gaszyńska, Ewelina et al.·International dental journal·2016

This study surveyed 103 denturists (dental laboratory workers) in Poland to understand how their work affects their health. The researchers found that over 60% experienced chronic fatigue syndrome and 70% had back pain, along with skin irritation and eye problems. Poor workplace design and stress from work organization were identified as major contributing factors.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Reduced diversity and altered composition of the gut microbiome in individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Giloteaux, Ludovic, Goodrich, Julia K, Walters, William A et al.·Microbiome·2016

This study found that people with ME/CFS have different gut bacteria compared to healthy people. The bacteria in ME/CFS patients showed less diversity and included more potentially harmful species while having fewer beneficial ones. Additionally, researchers detected signs in the blood suggesting that bacteria or bacterial components may be leaking through the gut lining, which could contribute to inflammation and symptoms.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Abnormal Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Results of Seed and Data-Driven Analyses.

Gay, Charles W, Robinson, Michael E, Lai, Song et al.·Brain connectivity·2016

This study used brain imaging (MRI) to examine how different regions of the brain communicate with each other in people with ME/CFS compared to healthy people. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS have weaker communication between certain brain regions, particularly in areas involved in attention and movement. These abnormal communication patterns were directly linked to how severe patients' fatigue symptoms were.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Effect of melatonin supplementation on plasma lipid hydroperoxides, homocysteine concentration and chronic fatigue syndrome in multiple sclerosis patients treated with interferons-beta and mitoxantrone.

Adamczyk-Sowa, M, Sowa, P, Adamczyk, J et al.·Journal of physiology and pharmacology : an official journal of the Polish Physiological Society·2016

This study looked at whether melatonin (a natural hormone that helps regulate sleep) could help reduce fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis. The researchers measured certain markers in the blood related to oxidative stress (cellular damage) and found that melatonin supplementation for 90 days lowered these harmful markers in all MS patient groups studied.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Cytokine network analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Hornig, M, Gottschalk, G, Peterson, D L et al.·Molecular psychiatry·2016

Researchers examined fluid from around the spine (cerebrospinal fluid) in ME/CFS patients and compared it to healthy people and those with multiple sclerosis. They found that ME/CFS patients had unusual patterns of immune proteins called cytokines in this fluid, suggesting their immune system in the brain and spinal cord is activated differently. The most notable finding was higher levels of a protein called eotaxin, which typically helps recruit immune cells involved in allergic responses.

Immune System

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Significant other behavioural responses and patient chronic fatigue syndrome symptom fluctuations in the context of daily life: An experience sampling study.

Binocular Vision in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Factors in Patient Empowerment: A Survey of an Online Patient Research Network.

Distinctive personality profiles of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

Workers on transformation of the shelter object of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant into an ecologically-safe system show qEEG abnormalities and cognitive dysfunctions: A follow-up study.

Variability of postural orthostatic tachycardia in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis and orthostatic intolerance.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) symptom-based phenotypes in two clinical cohorts of adult patients in the UK and The Netherlands.

Chronic fatigue syndrome: comparing outcomes in White British and Black and minority ethnic patients after cognitive-behavioural therapy.

Reduced cardiac volumes in chronic fatigue syndrome associate with plasma volume but not length of disease: a cohort study.

Stressful Events in the Onset of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Neurocognitive complaints and functional status among patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

TauG-guidance of dynamic balance control during gait initiation in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Genetic evaluation of AMPD1, CPT2, and PGYM metabolic enzymes in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Comparison of the functional health limitations of Iraq or Afghanistan Veterans to Desert Shield/Storm Veterans with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome at Age 16 Years.

Occupational exposure and health problems among Polish denturists: a population-based study in Łódź province.

Reduced diversity and altered composition of the gut microbiome in individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Abnormal Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Results of Seed and Data-Driven Analyses.

Effect of melatonin supplementation on plasma lipid hydroperoxides, homocysteine concentration and chronic fatigue syndrome in multiple sclerosis patients treated with interferons-beta and mitoxantrone.

Cytokine network analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

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