ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

281–300 of 6,122 studies

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Behavioural modification interventions for medically unexplained symptoms in primary care: systematic reviews and economic evaluation.

Leaviss, Joanna, Davis, Sarah, Ren, Shijie et al.·Health technology assessment (Winchester, England)·2020

This large review looked at whether talking therapies, exercise programs, and relaxation techniques help people with unexplained symptoms that doctors can't find a physical cause for. The researchers found that some treatments—especially cognitive-behavioral therapy and combination therapies—showed modest improvements in pain, tiredness, and mood in the short term, but these benefits often faded over time. However, no single treatment worked well for everyone, and treatments didn't reduce the overall symptom burden.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

[The review of prospective studies on mental health and the quality of life of physicians and medical students].

Szemik, Szymon, Gajda, Maksymilian, Kowalska, Małgorzata·Medycyna pracy·2020

This review examined research on the mental health and quality of life of doctors and medical students. The studies found that doctors often experience chronic fatigue syndrome and burnout from workplace stress, while medical students and young doctors commonly struggle with depression, alcohol misuse, and suicidal thoughts. The research used long-term follow-up studies to track how these problems develop over time.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

A Literature Review of GP Knowledge and Understanding of ME/CFS: A Report from the Socioeconomic Working Group of the European Network on ME/CFS (EUROMENE).

Pheby, Derek F H, Araja, Diana, Berkis, Uldis et al.·Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)·2020

This study looked at what general practitioners (GPs) know and believe about ME/CFS by reviewing 33 research papers. The researchers found that many GPs don't believe ME/CFS is a real illness or don't feel confident diagnosing it, and patients often report feeling dismissed by their doctors. This problem has been going on for decades and hasn't improved much.

Diagnostics

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredMeta-Analysis

Heart rate variability in patients with somatic symptom disorders and functional somatic syndromes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Ying-Chih, Cheng, Yu-Chen, Huang, Wei-Lieh, Huang·Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews·2020

This large review combined results from 85 studies comparing heart rhythm patterns between people with conditions like fibromyalgia and ME/CFS (functional somatic syndromes) and healthy people. Researchers found that patients with these conditions have lower heart rate variability—meaning their heart's rhythm is less flexible and adaptive—which suggests their nervous system may not be responding normally to stress and daily activities.

Autonomic Nervous System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Advances in Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Zhang, Xiaoyan, Wang, Miao, Zhou, Shigao·Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM·2020

This review looked at research on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome over a five-year period. Researchers found that many clinical studies showed TCM may help improve CFS symptoms, but the results are still not completely clear. The review examined different TCM approaches including syndrome-based treatment, external therapies, and combinations with other treatments.

Interventions

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredMeta-Analysis

The Prospects of the Two-Day Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) in ME/CFS Patients: A Meta-Analysis.

Lim, Eun-Jin, Kang, Eun-Bum, Jang, Eun-Su et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2020

Researchers reviewed studies testing a two-day exercise test (called CPET) that might help diagnose ME/CFS by measuring how the body performs differently on day two compared to day one. In ME/CFS patients, performance dropped on day two, while it improved in healthy people—suggesting this test could objectively measure the characteristic crash (postexertional malaise) that follows exertion in ME/CFS. The test showed promise, but more large-scale studies are needed before it can be used clinically.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Neuroimaging characteristics of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): a systematic review.

Shan, Zack Y, Barnden, Leighton R, Kwiatek, Richard A et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2020

This study reviewed 63 brain imaging research papers published over 30 years to identify what brain abnormalities are consistently found in ME/CFS patients. Researchers found that ME/CFS is commonly associated with unusual patterns of brain activity during thinking tasks and problems in the brain stem (the part controlling basic body functions). The findings suggest that the brains of people with ME/CFS may not be delivering oxygen and nutrients to active brain areas as efficiently as they should.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Interventions to treat pain in paediatric CFS/ME: a systematic review.

Ascough, Caitlin, King, Hayley, Serafimova, Teona et al.·BMJ paediatrics open·2020

This review looked at whether treatments for ME/CFS in children help reduce pain, which affects about two-thirds of young patients. Researchers searched medical databases for studies measuring pain before and after treatment. They found that most treatment studies didn't even measure pain, and the few that did weren't specifically designed to treat pain—they focused on overall ME/CFS management. The evidence suggests that children who recover from ME/CFS tend to have less pain than those who don't recover.

Pain and Sensitization

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Gulf war illness, post-HPV vaccination syndrome, and Macrophagic Myofasciitis. Similar disabling conditions possibly linked to vaccine-induced autoimmune dysautonomia.

Martinez-Lavin, Manuel, Tejada-Ruiz, Melina·Autoimmunity reviews·2020

This review looked at three conditions that share similar symptoms—Gulf War illness, post-HPV vaccination syndrome, and Macrophagic Myofasciitis—and found they may have a common cause related to vaccines. All three conditions involve chronic fatigue, widespread pain, and cognitive problems. The authors propose that in some susceptible people, vaccines or multiple vaccines given close together might trigger an autoimmune reaction affecting the nervous system that controls heart rate, blood pressure, and other automatic body functions.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearMeta-Analysis

Effectiveness of Active Therapy-Based Training to Improve the Balance in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Del-Moral-García, María, Obrero-Gaitán, Esteban, Rodríguez-Almagro, Daniel et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2020

People with fibromyalgia often have trouble with balance, which increases their risk of falling and affects their ability to do daily activities. This review looked at 10 studies testing whether active exercise-based training programs could help improve balance in fibromyalgia patients. The results showed that these training programs did help people improve their balance and stability compared to other treatments or no treatment.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Postlicensure Observational Studies on Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Autoimmune and Other Rare Adverse Events.

Willame, Corinne, Gadroen, Kartini, Bramer, Wichor et al.·The Pediatric infectious disease journal·2020

Researchers reviewed 22 studies that tracked the safety of HPV vaccines (which prevent certain cancers) in millions of people after the vaccines were approved for use. They looked specifically at whether these vaccines were linked to autoimmune diseases—conditions where the immune system attacks the body. Overall, they found no clear connection between HPV vaccines and most rare diseases, though a few associations (both positive and negative) were noted.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME).

Lim, Eun-Jin, Ahn, Yo-Chan, Jang, Eun-Su et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2020

This study looked at 45 research projects involving over 1 million people to estimate how many people have ME/CFS worldwide. The researchers found that about 0.68% of the general population (roughly 1 in 150 people) has ME/CFS, though the number varies depending on who was studied and how the diagnosis was made. Women are about 1.5 to 2 times more likely to have ME/CFS than men.

Diagnostics

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

A relational analysis of an invisible illness: A meta-ethnography of people with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and their support needs.

Pilkington, Karen, Ridge, Damien T, Igwesi-Chidobe, Chinonso N et al.·Social science & medicine (1982)·2020

This study examined 47 previous research papers about what people with ME/CFS need in terms of support from family, friends, and healthcare providers. The researchers found that the biggest problems people face come from how others interact with them—including feeling invisible, losing their sense of self, and having difficult experiences at doctor's appointments. The study suggests that focusing on building better relationships and understanding in all areas of life (not just medical treatment) may be key to improving support for people with ME/CFS.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Systematic Review of Primary Outcome Measurements for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) in Randomized Controlled Trials.

Kim, Do-Young, Lee, Jin-Seok, Son, Chang-Gue·Journal of clinical medicine·2020

This study examined how researchers measure treatment effects in ME/CFS clinical trials by reviewing 52 studies published between 1996 and 2020. The researchers found that most trials rely on patient questionnaires asking about fatigue, physical function, and quality of life rather than objective blood tests or physical measurements. Three questionnaires—the SF-36, Checklist Individual Strength, and Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire—were used most often to track whether treatments worked.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Management of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in a pediatric population: A scoping review.

Collard, Sarah S, Murphy, Jane·Journal of child health care : for professionals working with children in the hospital and community·2020

This review examined research on how to help children and teens with ME/CFS feel better through nutrition, exercise, and psychological support. The researchers found that exercise programs and a combination of treatments (including therapy, exercise, nutrition advice, and family support) helped reduce fatigue and improve school attendance. However, very few studies have looked at ME/CFS in younger children, so more research is needed.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Food Implications in Central Sensitization Syndromes.

Aguilar-Aguilar, Elena, Marcos-Pasero, Helena, Ikonomopoulou, Maria P et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2020

This review examined what is known about how food affects three related conditions—fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, and multiple chemical sensitivities—that all involve heightened nervous system sensitivity. The authors found that changing diet can help improve quality of life for many patients, but the best approach is personalized and done with help from a dietitian and doctor. They warn against following strict diets without professional guidance.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Environmental, Neuro-immune, and Neuro-oxidative Stress Interactions in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Bjørklund, Geir, Dadar, Maryam, Pivina, Lyudmila et al.·Molecular neurobiology·2020

This review looked at how ME/CFS develops by examining immune system problems, oxidative stress (cellular damage from harmful molecules), infections, and nutritional issues. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS often have changes in their immune cells and proteins, along with signs of cellular damage that could explain fatigue, pain, and other symptoms. The study suggests that treatments targeting oxidative stress and nutrition might help, though more research is needed.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

A systematic review of mitochondrial abnormalities in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome/systemic exertion intolerance disease.

Holden, Sean, Maksoud, Rebekah, Eaton-Fitch, Natalie et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2020

This review looked at 19 studies examining whether the power-generating structures in our cells (called mitochondria) work differently in people with ME/CFS compared to healthy people. While many studies found some differences in how these cellular power plants function, the results were inconsistent across different research groups, making it hard to draw clear conclusions about whether mitochondrial problems actually cause ME/CFS.

Biomarkers

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

What Works in Mindfulness Interventions for Medically Unexplained Symptoms? A Systematic Review.

Billones, Ruel, Saligan, Leorey·Asian/Pacific Island nursing journal·2020

This review looked at 24 studies testing whether mindfulness-based programs (practices that teach you to focus on the present moment without judgment) help people with medically unexplained symptoms like fibromyalgia and chronic pain. The programs showed meaningful improvements in symptom severity, pain intensity, depression, and anxiety. The most effective programs included education about symptoms, guided mindfulness practice, and self-compassion training.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

Pathological Mechanisms Underlying Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Missailidis, Daniel, Annesley, Sarah J, Fisher, Paul R·Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)·2019

ME/CFS is a complex condition affecting multiple body systems, and researchers are working to understand what causes it. This review shows that evidence points to problems in the immune system, nervous system, muscle function, metabolism, and gut health in ME/CFS patients. Because patients experience different symptoms and may develop the condition in different ways, finding reliable diagnostic tests remains a key challenge that researchers are actively pursuing.

Immune System

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Evidence browser

Behavioural modification interventions for medically unexplained symptoms in primary care: systematic reviews and economic evaluation.

[The review of prospective studies on mental health and the quality of life of physicians and medical students].

A Literature Review of GP Knowledge and Understanding of ME/CFS: A Report from the Socioeconomic Working Group of the European Network on ME/CFS (EUROMENE).

Heart rate variability in patients with somatic symptom disorders and functional somatic syndromes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Advances in Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

The Prospects of the Two-Day Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) in ME/CFS Patients: A Meta-Analysis.

Neuroimaging characteristics of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): a systematic review.

Interventions to treat pain in paediatric CFS/ME: a systematic review.

Gulf war illness, post-HPV vaccination syndrome, and Macrophagic Myofasciitis. Similar disabling conditions possibly linked to vaccine-induced autoimmune dysautonomia.

Effectiveness of Active Therapy-Based Training to Improve the Balance in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Postlicensure Observational Studies on Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Autoimmune and Other Rare Adverse Events.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME).

A relational analysis of an invisible illness: A meta-ethnography of people with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and their support needs.

Systematic Review of Primary Outcome Measurements for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) in Randomized Controlled Trials.

Management of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in a pediatric population: A scoping review.

Food Implications in Central Sensitization Syndromes.

Environmental, Neuro-immune, and Neuro-oxidative Stress Interactions in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

A systematic review of mitochondrial abnormalities in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome/systemic exertion intolerance disease.

What Works in Mindfulness Interventions for Medically Unexplained Symptoms? A Systematic Review.

Pathological Mechanisms Underlying Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

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