ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

341–360 of 6,157 studies

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment is not effective for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A review of the FatiGo trial.

Vink, Mark, Vink-Niese, Alexandra·Health psychology open·2018

This analysis reviewed a major trial called FatiGo that compared two treatment approaches for ME/CFS: multidisciplinary rehabilitation (combining physical therapy, psychology, and other treatments) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). While the original FatiGo trial claimed both treatments were effective, this review found serious problems with how the study was conducted and concluded that the evidence does not actually support these claims.

Interventions

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredSystematic-Review

Graded exercise therapy for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is not effective and unsafe. Re-analysis of a Cochrane review.

Vink, Mark, Vink-Niese, Alexandra·Health psychology open·2018

This study re-examined a major 2017 review that had concluded graded exercise therapy (GET) was helpful for ME/CFS. The researchers found serious problems with that review's methods and conclusions. They concluded there is no reliable evidence that GET works for ME/CFS, and safety concerns were not properly reported in the original trials.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Measuring School Functioning in Students With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Tollit, Michelle, Politis, Jennifer, Knight, Sarah·The Journal of school health·2018

This review looked at 36 studies examining how ME/CFS affects students' school experiences. Researchers found that most studies only measured school absences, but didn't thoroughly look at other important aspects like grades, motivation, or what support students receive. The review highlights that we need better ways to measure and understand how ME/CFS impacts all areas of school life.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

[Neurologic Abnormalities in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Review].

Komaroff, Anthony L, Takahashi, Ryosuke, Yamamura, Takashi et al.·Brain and nerve = Shinkei kenkyu no shinpo·2018

This review examines objective, measurable evidence that ME/CFS is a real physical illness, not just a psychological condition. Researchers looked at studies showing that ME/CFS involves problems with the brain, immune system, and how the body uses energy. They found that immune activation—where the body's defense system becomes overactive—may be a key driver of ME/CFS symptoms.

Immune SystemCognitive ImpairmentPost-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Antibodies Against GPCR.

Meyer, Carlotto, Heidecke, Harald·Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition)·2018

This review examines how the body's own antibodies (immune proteins) can mistakenly attack receptors on cell surfaces called GPCRs, which are involved in many bodily functions. The authors summarize evidence that these misdirected antibodies may play a role in several diseases, including chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), heart disease, and autoimmune conditions. Understanding these antibodies could help doctors develop better diagnostic tests and treatments.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Effectiveness of Mindfulness- and Relaxation-Based eHealth Interventions for Patients with Medical Conditions: a Systematic Review and Synthesis.

Mikolasek, Michael, Berg, Jonas, Witt, Claudia M et al.·International journal of behavioral medicine·2018

Researchers reviewed 17 online programs that teach mindfulness and relaxation techniques to people with various medical conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome. These digital programs generally showed benefits for overall health and mood, though they didn't clearly help with stress reduction or mindfulness skills themselves. The findings suggest these programs could be a helpful addition to standard medical treatment.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

A Systematic Review of Probiotic Interventions for Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME).

Corbitt, Matthew, Campagnolo, N, Staines, D et al.·Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins·2018

This review looked at whether probiotics (beneficial bacteria) might help with stomach and bowel problems that many people with ME/CFS experience. Researchers searched medical databases and found 25 studies on this topic. While probiotics showed promise for irritable bowel syndrome in the general population, there wasn't enough good-quality research to say whether they actually help people with ME/CFS.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The "Biology-First" Hypothesis: Functional disorders may begin and end with biology-A scoping review.

Enck, P, Mazurak, N·Neurogastroenterology and motility·2018

This study reviewed research showing that infections can trigger long-lasting functional disorders—conditions where the body doesn't work properly but standard tests appear normal. The authors propose that these disorders start from biological changes (like immune dysfunction or altered gut bacteria) caused by the infection, and that psychological factors develop as a result rather than being the root cause. This challenges the common belief that such conditions are mainly psychological or social in nature.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome: A narrative review on efficacy and informed consent.

Geraghty, Keith J, Blease, Charlotte·Journal of health psychology·2018

This review looked at whether cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)—a type of talk therapy focused on thoughts and behaviors—actually helps ME/CFS patients. The researchers found that CBT may help some people feel less tired in the short term, but there's little proof it works long-term or improves physical abilities. Importantly, CBT can sometimes make people feel worse if it's not done carefully, and much of any improvement might come from the therapist's skill or placebo effect rather than the therapy itself.

Interventions

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Are probiotic treatments useful on fibromyalgia syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome patients? A systematic review.

Roman, P, Carrillo-Trabalón, F, Sánchez-Labraca, N et al.·Beneficial microbes·2018

This review looked at whether probiotic supplements (live beneficial bacteria) might help people with ME/CFS or fibromyalgia. Researchers searched for high-quality studies and found only two small studies in ME/CFS patients. These studies showed that specific probiotic strains reduced anxiety and markers of inflammation, but there isn't enough evidence yet to say probiotics are a proven treatment.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Metabolic abnormalities in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a mini-review.

Tomas, Cara, Newton, Julia·Biochemical Society transactions·2018

This review examines research showing that people with ME/CFS have problems with how their bodies use energy at a cellular level. Scientists have found several different metabolic abnormalities—issues with immune function, mitochondria (the cell's power plants), muscle acid buildup, and other energy-related problems—that could potentially be used as biomarkers (measurable signs) to diagnose the disease. However, no single test can yet reliably identify ME/CFS.

BiomarkersImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Evidence for an autoimmune disease.

Sotzny, Franziska, Blanco, Julià, Capelli, Enrica et al.·Autoimmunity reviews·2018

This review examines evidence that ME/CFS may be caused by the immune system attacking the body (autoimmune disease). Researchers found that people with ME/CFS have unusual immune patterns, including abnormal antibodies and changes in immune cells. Importantly, a treatment that removes certain immune cells (rituximab) helped about half of ME/CFS patients in clinical trials, suggesting an autoimmune mechanism in at least some people.

Energy MetabolismImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Chronic viral infections in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

Rasa, Santa, Nora-Krukle, Zaiga, Henning, Nina et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2018

This review examined all existing research on whether viruses might cause ME/CFS. Scientists found that while many studies have looked at different viruses, the research has been poorly designed and inconsistent, making it hard to draw firm conclusions. The authors suggest that future studies need better planning and more rigorous methods to properly answer whether viruses play a role in ME/CFS.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

A systematic review of outcome measures utilised to assess self-management in clinical trials in patients with chronic pain.

Banerjee, Anirban, Hendrick, Paul, Bhattacharjee, Purba et al.·Patient education and counseling·2018

This review looked at 25 studies to find out which questionnaires and tests best measure how well people manage their chronic pain on their own. Researchers found 14 different measurement tools that assess things like pain coping skills, confidence, and self-care. The review suggests that tools measuring multiple aspects of self-management—like the Chronic Pain Coping Inventory and Health Education Impact Questionnaire—work best for tracking how people manage their conditions.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

A Review Study on the Beneficial Effects of Baduanjin.

Zou, Liye, Pan, Zhujun, Yeung, Albert et al.·Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)·2018

This review looked at 22 studies about Baduanjin, a gentle Chinese exercise that combines movement with mental focus. The studies suggest that Baduanjin may help improve thinking abilities, mood, sleep, and physical symptoms in people with various conditions, including those with chronic fatigue-like illness. However, the authors note that better-quality, longer-lasting studies are needed before we can be confident about these benefits.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Does the microbiome and virome contribute to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome?

Newberry, Fiona, Hsieh, Shen-Yuan, Wileman, Tom et al.·Clinical science (London, England : 1979)·2018

This review examines whether changes in the bacteria living in our gut and the viruses that affect those bacteria might contribute to ME/CFS. While previous studies have focused mainly on bacterial changes, this paper points out that viruses—especially those that attack bacteria—are equally important to understand. The authors explain that inconsistencies between different microbiome studies make it hard to draw clear conclusions, and call for more standardized research methods.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Recognizing the Leaky Gut as a Trans-diagnostic Target for Neuroimmune Disorders Using Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Immunology Assays.

Simeonova, Denitsa, Ivanovska, Mariya, Murdjeva, Mariana et al.·Current topics in medicinal chemistry·2018

This review examines how a condition called 'leaky gut'—where the intestinal barrier becomes too permeable, allowing harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream—may contribute to ME/CFS and other conditions affecting mood and energy. The authors summarize available blood and stool tests that can help doctors recognize leaky gut in practice. They identify specific markers (like immune responses to bacterial toxins and inflammatory proteins) that could signal intestinal barrier problems.

Gut MicrobiomeImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

WITHDRAWN: Traditional Chinese medicinal herbs for the treatment of idiopathic chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Adams, Denise, Wu, Taixiang, Yang, Xunzhe et al.·The Cochrane database of systematic reviews·2018

Researchers searched for studies testing whether traditional Chinese herbal medicines could help treat ME/CFS and chronic fatigue. After reviewing over 2,400 studies across 13 databases, they found that while many studies existed, none met the strict standards needed to prove whether these herbs actually work. The main problem was that most studies, especially those from China, did not use proper scientific methods to fairly test the treatments.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

The effect of physiotherapy on fatigue and physical functioning in chronic fatigue syndrome patients: A systematic review.

Galeoto, G, Sansoni, J, Valenti, D et al.·La Clinica terapeutica·2018

This review looked at four high-quality studies to understand how physical therapy might help people with ME/CFS feel less tired and function better. The researchers found that programs combining exercise, stretching, and body awareness techniques showed the most promise for reducing fatigue over medium and long-term periods. However, because there were very few studies to examine, the authors couldn't definitively say which treatment works best for everyone.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Cost-effectiveness of interventions for medically unexplained symptoms: A systematic review.

Wortman, Margreet S H, Lokkerbol, Joran, van der Wouden, Johannes C et al.·PloS one·2018

This study looked at 39 research projects to find out which treatments for long-lasting unexplained symptoms—including chronic fatigue syndrome—work best and offer good value for money. The researchers found that group-based treatments (where patients meet together) tend to be more cost-effective than one-on-one treatments. However, the studies they reviewed were quite different from each other, making it hard to compare results directly.

Interventions

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Evidence browser

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment is not effective for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A review of the FatiGo trial.

Graded exercise therapy for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is not effective and unsafe. Re-analysis of a Cochrane review.

Measuring School Functioning in Students With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

[Neurologic Abnormalities in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Review].

Antibodies Against GPCR.

Effectiveness of Mindfulness- and Relaxation-Based eHealth Interventions for Patients with Medical Conditions: a Systematic Review and Synthesis.

A Systematic Review of Probiotic Interventions for Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME).

The "Biology-First" Hypothesis: Functional disorders may begin and end with biology-A scoping review.

Cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome: A narrative review on efficacy and informed consent.

Are probiotic treatments useful on fibromyalgia syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome patients? A systematic review.

Metabolic abnormalities in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a mini-review.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Evidence for an autoimmune disease.

Chronic viral infections in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

A systematic review of outcome measures utilised to assess self-management in clinical trials in patients with chronic pain.

A Review Study on the Beneficial Effects of Baduanjin.

Does the microbiome and virome contribute to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome?

Recognizing the Leaky Gut as a Trans-diagnostic Target for Neuroimmune Disorders Using Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Immunology Assays.

WITHDRAWN: Traditional Chinese medicinal herbs for the treatment of idiopathic chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The effect of physiotherapy on fatigue and physical functioning in chronic fatigue syndrome patients: A systematic review.

Cost-effectiveness of interventions for medically unexplained symptoms: A systematic review.

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