ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

221–240 of 6,121 studies

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearMeta-Analysis

Efficacy of Qigong Exercise for Treatment of Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Wang, Rui, Huang, Xueyan, Wu, Yeqi et al.·Frontiers in medicine·2021

A systematic review pooled data from 16 randomized controlled trials examining whether Qigong exercise—a traditional Chinese practice combining movement and breathing—is associated with reduced fatigue in patients with various conditions, including two small studies in chronic fatigue syndrome. Participants who did Qigong showed observed improvements in fatigue intensity compared to control groups, though the authors emphasize this finding is preliminary and warrants cautious interpretation. Quality of life did not show a statistically significant difference. The relevance of these findings to ME/CFS specifically remains unclear, given the small number of ME/CFS studies included.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredSystematic-Review

The evidence base for physiotherapy in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome when considering post-exertional malaise: a systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Wormgoor, Marjon E A, Rodenburg, Sanne C·Journal of translational medicine·2021

This review looked at 18 studies testing physiotherapy (physical therapy) for ME/CFS, paying special attention to post-exertional malaise (PEM)—the worsening of symptoms after activity that defines ME. The researchers found that treatments appearing to help patients with general chronic fatigue showed less benefit when studied in patients with stricter ME/CFS definitions that include PEM, and may actually cause harm in ME patients. The study warns that physical therapy approaches effective for milder conditions should not be used for ME patients with prominent PEM.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusGuidelinePEM requiredGuideline

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Essentials of Diagnosis and Management.

Bateman, Lucinda, Bested, Alison C, Bonilla, Hector F et al.·Mayo Clinic proceedings·2021

This article brings together 21 expert doctors who specialize in ME/CFS to share the best ways to diagnose and treat this complex illness. The experts explain that most people with ME/CFS don't get properly diagnosed, and many receive treatments that can actually make them worse. They provide clear, practical guidance that general doctors can use to help ME/CFS patients feel better and improve their quality of life.

ME/CFS (general)

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearMeta-Analysis

The SARS-CoV-2 receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A meta-analysis of public DNA methylation and gene expression data.

Malato, João, Sotzny, Franziska, Bauer, Sandra et al.·Heliyon·2021

This study looked at whether people with ME/CFS have lower levels of a protein called ACE2, which the COVID-19 virus uses to enter cells. The researchers analyzed existing genetic data from ME/CFS patients and found that ACE2 levels were indeed reduced in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy people. The authors suggest this may put ME/CFS patients at higher risk for severe COVID-19 and recommend they be prioritized for vaccination.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Systematic Review of Sleep Characteristics in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Maksoud, Rebekah, Eaton-Fitch, Natalie, Matula, Michael et al.·Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)·2021

Many ME/CFS patients report that their sleep feels unrefreshing and disturbed, even when they sleep for long hours. This review looked at 20 studies that used objective sleep monitoring equipment (like devices that measure brain waves and breathing during sleep) to understand what's actually happening with sleep in ME/CFS patients. The researchers found that the results across different studies were inconsistent, meaning there's no clear pattern yet about what makes ME/CFS sleep different from healthy sleep.

Sleep

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The Enterovirus Theory of Disease Etiology in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Critical Review.

O'Neal, Adam J, Hanson, Maureen R·Frontiers in medicine·2021

This review examined whether enteroviruses—common viruses that cause colds, stomach infections, and other illnesses—might be responsible for ME/CFS. While some studies found these viruses more often in ME/CFS patients than in healthy people, the evidence has been mixed and hard to interpret. The authors argue that past research methods weren't good enough to definitively answer the question, and they call for better studies using modern technology to investigate this possibility further.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The Gut Microbiome in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

König, Rahel S, Albrich, Werner C, Kahlert, Christian R et al.·Frontiers in immunology·2021

This review examines whether changes in gut bacteria might contribute to ME/CFS. The authors suggest that lifetime antibiotic use could alter the balance of gut microbes, which might then affect the gut barrier, brain function, and energy production in cells. They propose several potential treatment approaches like probiotics and dietary changes, but emphasize that much more research is needed to understand if gut bacteria actually cause ME/CFS or simply change as a result of the disease.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearMeta-Analysis

Alteration of Postural Balance in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Núñez-Fuentes, David, Obrero-Gaitán, Esteban, Zagalaz-Anula, Noelia et al.·Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)·2021

This study reviewed 19 research papers involving 2,347 people (mostly women) to understand balance problems in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The researchers found that FMS patients have significantly worse balance than healthy people, with particular difficulty standing still, moving around, and relying on their inner ear and vision for balance. The findings suggest that people with FMS may depend too heavily on feeling where their body is in space rather than using normal balance cues.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

The Safety of Baduanjin Exercise: A Systematic Review.

Fang, Jianqi, Zhang, Liying, Wu, Fangzhen et al.·Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM·2021

Baduanjin is a gentle exercise therapy from traditional Chinese medicine that is becoming more popular around the world. This review looked at 47 studies involving 3,877 people to find out what side effects people experienced when doing Baduanjin. Most studies didn't carefully track side effects, but those that did reported issues like muscle aches, heart palpitations, dizziness, knee pain, and fatigue—though it's unclear if Baduanjin actually caused these problems.

ME/CFS (general)

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Epstein-Barr Virus and the Origin of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Ruiz-Pablos, Manuel, Paiva, Bruno, Montero-Mateo, Rosario et al.·Frontiers in immunology·2021

This review examines whether Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common virus that causes mononucleosis, might play a role in causing ME/CFS in some patients. The researchers found that certain people may have genetic traits that make them more vulnerable to EBV, and in these individuals, the virus might hide from the immune system in a way that leads to ME/CFS symptoms. They suggest that antiviral treatments targeting EBV could potentially help some ME/CFS patients.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredMeta-Analysis

Prevalence of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in Korea and Japan: A Meta-Analysis.

Lim, Eun-Jin, Son, Chang-Gue·Journal of clinical medicine·2021

This study looked at how common ME/CFS is in Korea and Japan by reviewing eight existing studies. Researchers found that about 0.76-0.77% of people in these countries have ME/CFS—meaning roughly 1 in 130 people. Women were affected about twice as often as men in Korea, though this difference was smaller in Japan.

E0 ConsensusGuidelinePEM requiredGuideline

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy)/chronic fatigue syndrome: diagnosis and management

NICE Guideline Committee·National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)·2021

The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence updated its ME/CFS guidelines after a comprehensive evidence review. The updated guidelines removed Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as recommended treatments, as evidence showed they were not effective and could be harmful. Pacing and energy management were endorsed.

InterventionsDiagnostics

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Post COVID-19 Syndrome in Patients with Asymptomatic/Mild Form.

Malkova, Annа, Kudryavtsev, Igor, Starshinova, Anna et al.·Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)·2021

Some people develop long-term symptoms weeks or months after having a mild or even asymptomatic COVID-19 infection. This review found that fatigue, breathing problems, cough, and loss of smell are common in these cases, affecting about 30-60% of patients, mostly women. The researchers suggest these symptoms may be caused by the virus damaging the nervous system or triggering the immune system to attack nerve cells, similar to what happens in chronic fatigue syndrome.

ME/CFS (general)

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Recovery from chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review-heterogeneity of definition limits study comparison.

Moore, Yasmin, Serafimova, Teona, Anderson, Nina et al.·Archives of disease in childhood·2021

This study looked at how often children with ME/CFS recover and what 'recovery' actually means. Researchers found that different studies define recovery in very different ways—some focus on returning to school, others on fatigue levels, and others on physical activity. Because of these differences, recovery rates ranged wildly from 4.5% to 83%, making it hard to compare studies fairly.

Diagnostics

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

New Insights on the Role of TRP Channels in Calcium Signalling and Immunomodulation: Review of Pathways and Implications for Clinical Practice.

Froghi, Saied, Grant, Charlotte R, Tandon, Radhika et al.·Clinical reviews in allergy & immunology·2021

This review examines how calcium moves into cells through special channels called TRP channels, and how this process affects the immune system. The authors explain that TRP channels play important roles in helping immune cells fight infections and respond to threats. They discuss evidence that problems with these calcium channels may be involved in several diseases, including ME/CFS.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Perfectionism, depression and anxiety in chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review.

Wright, Amelia, Fisher, Peter L, Baker, Nita et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2021

This review looked at seven studies examining whether perfectionism (setting very high standards and worrying about mistakes) is connected to depression in people with ME/CFS. Researchers found strong links between perfectionism and depression, particularly worrying excessively about making mistakes. However, there's much less research on whether perfectionism is linked to anxiety in ME/CFS patients.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)-A Systemic Review and Comparison of Clinical Presentation and Symptomatology.

Wong, Timothy L, Weitzer, Danielle J·Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)·2021

Researchers reviewed 21 studies about Long COVID (symptoms lasting months after COVID-19 infection) and compared them to ME/CFS symptoms. They found that Long COVID patients reported 25 out of 29 known ME/CFS symptoms, suggesting these two conditions share many similarities. The study highlights the need for better monitoring and treatment of patients with Long COVID, and calls for more standardized research methods to understand both conditions better.

Long COVID Overlap

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Insights into Metabolite Diagnostic Biomarkers for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Yamano, Emi, Watanabe, Yasuyoshi, Kataoka, Yosky·International journal of molecular sciences·2021

ME/CFS is a serious condition that causes extreme exhaustion and is difficult to diagnose because we don't have reliable tests for it. This review examined research on how the chemicals in patients' bodies differ from healthy people, looking for patterns that could help doctors identify ME/CFS with a simple blood test. Scientists reviewed studies that measured these body chemicals and tested them in animal models to understand what goes wrong in ME/CFS.

Biomarkers

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredEvidence-Map

A rapid review and expert identification of the Allied Health Professions' interventions as a contribution to public health outcomes.

Fowler Davis, S, Farndon, L, Harrop, D et al.·Public health in practice (Oxford, England)·2021

This study looked at how allied health professionals (such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists) help improve public health in the UK. Researchers reviewed research papers from 2014 onwards and found that these professionals were particularly effective at helping people with chronic fatigue syndrome and osteoarthritis, as well as managing other musculoskeletal conditions and helping people return to work after illness or injury.

E0 ConsensusGuidelinePEM requiredGuideline

ME/CFS: Exercise goals should be set by patients and not driven by treatment plan, says NICE.

Torjesen, Ingrid·BMJ (Clinical research ed.)·2021

The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued new guidance stating that people with ME/CFS should set their own exercise goals based on their personal circumstances, rather than having exercise targets imposed by healthcare providers as part of a standard treatment plan. This represents an important shift in how ME/CFS care should be approached, emphasizing patient autonomy and individual needs.

ME/CFS (general)

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Efficacy of Qigong Exercise for Treatment of Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The evidence base for physiotherapy in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome when considering post-exertional malaise: a systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Essentials of Diagnosis and Management.

The SARS-CoV-2 receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A meta-analysis of public DNA methylation and gene expression data.

Systematic Review of Sleep Characteristics in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

The Enterovirus Theory of Disease Etiology in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Critical Review.

The Gut Microbiome in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

Alteration of Postural Balance in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The Safety of Baduanjin Exercise: A Systematic Review.

Epstein-Barr Virus and the Origin of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Prevalence of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in Korea and Japan: A Meta-Analysis.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy)/chronic fatigue syndrome: diagnosis and management

Post COVID-19 Syndrome in Patients with Asymptomatic/Mild Form.

Recovery from chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review-heterogeneity of definition limits study comparison.

New Insights on the Role of TRP Channels in Calcium Signalling and Immunomodulation: Review of Pathways and Implications for Clinical Practice.

Perfectionism, depression and anxiety in chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review.

Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)-A Systemic Review and Comparison of Clinical Presentation and Symptomatology.

Insights into Metabolite Diagnostic Biomarkers for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

A rapid review and expert identification of the Allied Health Professions' interventions as a contribution to public health outcomes.

ME/CFS: Exercise goals should be set by patients and not driven by treatment plan, says NICE.

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Neuroinflammation Evidence

Metabolism & Mitochondria

Biomarkers

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