ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

61–80 of 238 studies

E2 ModeratePEM unclearPreliminaryCross-SectionalEditor reviewed

Clinical Profile and Aspects of Differential Diagnosis in Patients with ME/CFS from Latvia.

Krumina, Angelika, Vecvagare, Katrine, Svirskis, Simons et al.·Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)·2021

This study looked at 65 people with ME/CFS in Latvia to understand their main symptoms and how the condition differs from simple tiredness. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS commonly experience fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, and sleep problems—more often than people without ME/CFS. When patients had other health conditions alongside ME/CFS, their symptoms tended to be more severe.

Pain and SensitizationSleepDiagnostics

E2 ModeratePEM unclearModerate confidenceCase-ControlEditor reviewed

Central sensitisation in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia; a case control study.

Bourke, Julius H, Wodehouse, Theresa, Clark, Lucy V et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2021

This study tested whether ME/CFS and fibromyalgia involve a condition called 'central sensitisation,' where the nervous system becomes overly sensitive to pain signals. Researchers compared pain sensitivity in 19 ME/CFS patients, 19 fibromyalgia patients, and 20 healthy people using physical tests. They found that 84% of ME/CFS patients and 95% of fibromyalgia patients showed signs of central sensitisation, while none of the healthy controls did.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModeratePEM unclearPreliminaryLongitudinalEditor reviewed

Impact of Life Stressors on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms: An Australian Longitudinal Study.

Balinas, Cassandra, Eaton-Fitch, Natalie, Maksoud, Rebekah et al.·International journal of environmental research and public health·2021

This Australian study followed 36 ME/CFS patients over five months to see how life stressors affected their symptoms. The researchers found that major life changes like work disruptions or money problems were linked to worsening symptoms like brain fog, stomach issues, pain, and sleep problems. Interestingly, patients who had better access to healthcare and support services experienced fewer severe symptoms.

Pain and SensitizationSleep

E2 ModeratePEM unclearModerate confidenceLongitudinalEditor reviewed

Longitudinal outcomes associated with significant other responses to chronic fatigue and pain.

Schmaling, Karen B, Fales, Jessica L, McPherson, Sterling·Journal of health psychology·2020

This study followed 68 people with chronic fatigue (some also with fibromyalgia) for 18 months to see how their loved ones' responses affected their health outcomes. The researchers found that when significant others responded negatively to fatigue and pain, patients experienced more pain, worse mental health, and worse fatigue symptoms over time. Interestingly, when loved ones were more helpful and comforting (solicitous), patients with more fibromyalgia tender points tended to have this response, and when loved ones helped distract patients, mental health was better.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModeratePEM not requiredModerate confidenceCross-SectionalEditor reviewed

Pain in adolescent chronic fatigue following Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Brodwall, Elias Myrstad, Pedersen, Maria, Asprusten, Tarjei Tørre et al.·Scandinavian journal of pain·2020

This study looked at pain symptoms in teenagers who developed chronic fatigue after a common virus infection (Epstein-Barr virus). Researchers compared teenagers who had the virus and became fatigued, those who had the virus but did not become fatigued, and healthy teenagers without the virus. They found that the fatigued group reported significantly more pain symptoms and that the amount of pain they experienced was strongly linked to their quality of life.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModeratePEM unclearPreliminaryObservationalEditor reviewed

Pressure Point Thresholds and ME/CFS Comorbidity as Indicators of Patient's Response to Manual Physiotherapy in Fibromyalgia.

Falaguera-Vera, Francisco Javier, Garcia-Escudero, María, Bonastre-Férez, Javier et al.·International journal of environmental research and public health·2020

This study tested whether hands-on physiotherapy (manual therapy) could help people with fibromyalgia (FM) by reducing pain sensitivity and improving quality of life. Researchers measured pain sensitivity before and after treatment using a special device called an algometer. The main finding was that people with fibromyalgia alone responded better to the therapy than those who had both fibromyalgia and ME/CFS.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModeratePEM not requiredModerate confidenceCross-SectionalEditor reviewed

Systemic Hyperalgesia in Females with Gulf War Illness, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.

Surian, Amber A, Baraniuk, James N·Scientific reports·2020

This study measured how sensitive to pain women with ME/CFS, Gulf War Illness, and fibromyalgia are compared to healthy controls. Researchers used a tool called a dolorimeter to apply pressure to 18 specific body points and measured how much pressure it took before women felt pain. Women with these illnesses felt pain at much lower pressure levels than healthy women, showing they have widespread increased pain sensitivity.

Pain and SensitizationDiagnostics

E2 ModeratePEM unclearModerate confidenceCross-SectionalEditor reviewed

Health-related quality of life in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an Australian cross-sectional study.

Eaton-Fitch, N, Johnston, S C, Zalewski, P et al.·Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation·2020

This Australian study of 480 people with ME/CFS found that the condition severely impacts quality of life across all major areas—physical functioning, emotional well-being, pain, and energy levels. People with ME/CFS scored much lower on quality of life measures compared to the general population, with the lowest scores for physical activities and fatigue. The study identified specific symptoms like cognitive difficulties, sleep problems, and cardiovascular issues that are most strongly linked to reduced quality of life.

Pain and SensitizationSleepCognitive Impairment

E2 ModeratePEM not requiredPreliminaryObservationalEditor reviewed

OnabotulinumtoxinA Is an Effective Treatment for Chronic Migraine in Patients With Comorbid Fibromyalgia.

Sastre Real, María, Díaz de Terán, Javier·Frontiers in neurology·2020

This study looked at whether a migraine treatment called botulinum toxin (Botox) could help people who have both chronic migraines and fibromyalgia. Researchers found that about two-thirds of patients improved within 3 months, and by 12 months, nearly 70% had at least a 50% reduction in severe headache days. The treatment was generally safe with only mild side effects.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModeratePEM not requiredModerate confidenceCase-ControlEditor reviewed

Processing of Laser-Evoked Potentials in Patients with Chronic Whiplash-Associated Disorders, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Healthy Controls: A Case-Control Study.

Goudman, Lisa, Daenen, Liesbeth, Mouraux, Andre et al.·Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.)·2020

Researchers used a specialized brain test called laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) to measure how the nervous system responds to heat pain in ME/CFS patients, whiplash patients, and healthy people. The test involved brief laser pulses applied to the hand and foot while recording brain activity. The study found that ME/CFS patients' nervous systems responded to pain in basically the same way as healthy people, which suggests their pain-sensing pathways are working normally.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModeratePEM not requiredModerate confidenceCross-SectionalEditor reviewed

Health Conditions and Psychotic Experiences: Cross-Sectional Findings From the American Life Panel.

Oh, Hans, Smith, Lee, Koyanagi, Ai·Frontiers in psychiatry·2020

This study looked at whether people who experience psychotic symptoms (like unusual beliefs or perceptions) also tend to have more physical health problems. Researchers surveyed a representative group of American adults and found that people reporting lifetime psychotic experiences were more likely to have conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, sleep disorders, migraines, and gastrointestinal problems. The more health conditions someone had, the stronger the association with psychotic experiences.

Pain and SensitizationSleep

E2 ModeratePEM not requiredModerate confidenceCross-SectionalEditor reviewed

Cognitive factors are associated with disability and pain, but not fatigue among physiotherapy attendees with persistent pain and fatigue.

Thompson, Dave P, Antcliff, Deborah, Woby, Steve R·Physiotherapy·2020

This study looked at how thoughts and beliefs affect pain, disability, and fatigue in people with long-term pain and exhaustion who were receiving physiotherapy. Researchers found that how confident people felt about managing their condition (self-efficacy) and how much they catastrophized (worried excessively) about their symptoms were linked to pain levels and disability, but surprisingly were not linked to fatigue levels.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModeratePEM not requiredModerate confidenceCross-SectionalEditor reviewed

Musculoskeletal Pain in Individuals With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Reflects Three Distinct Profiles.

Falling, Carrie, Stebbings, Simon, Baxter, George D et al.·The Clinical journal of pain·2019

Most people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) experience muscle and joint pain, but the pain works differently in different people. This study found three distinct groups: one with mixed types of pain, one with pain driven by nervous system sensitivity, and one with pain in specific areas that improves when the IBD is under control. The group with nervous system-driven pain had higher rates of depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModeratePEM unclearModerate confidenceCross-SectionalEditor reviewed

Pain is associated with reduced quality of life and functional status in patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Strand, Elin Bolle, Mengshoel, Anne Marit, Sandvik, Leiv et al.·Scandinavian journal of pain·2019

This study compared 87 ME/CFS patients with 94 healthy people to understand how pain affects quality of life. Researchers found that ME/CFS patients experience significantly more pain, anxiety, and depression, and have lower quality of life than healthy controls. Within the ME/CFS group, pain was strongly linked to reduced physical functioning and overall quality of life, suggesting that managing pain could help improve how well patients function daily.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModeratePEM not requiredModerate confidenceCross-SectionalEditor reviewed

The proportion of women with central sensitivity syndrome in gynecology outpatient clinics (GOPDs).

Vij, Monika, Davies, Anthony, Dua, Anu et al.·International urogynecology journal·2019

This study looked at women visiting gynecology clinics whose symptoms didn't match what doctors could see on physical exams or tests. Researchers gave these women a questionnaire about pain sensitivity and related symptoms. They found that 37% of the women screened positive for central sensitization—a condition where the nervous system becomes more sensitive to pain and other sensations. Many of these women also had other conditions like migraine, depression, anxiety, IBS, and ME/CFS.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModeratePEM unclearPreliminaryObservationalEditor reviewed

Relationship Between Exercise-induced Oxidative Stress Changes and Parasympathetic Activity in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Observational Study in Patients and Healthy Subjects.

Polli, Andrea, Van Oosterwijck, Jessica, Nijs, Jo et al.·Clinical therapeutics·2019

This study looked at whether oxidative stress (cellular damage from normal metabolism) is related to pain in ME/CFS patients, and how it connects to the vagus nerve, which helps control the body's relaxation response. Researchers had ME/CFS patients and healthy people do a mild exercise test and measured their pain, oxidative stress levels, and nerve activity before and after. They found that oxidative stress was linked to pain in ME/CFS patients, but unlike healthy people, ME/CFS patients didn't show improvements in pain or oxidative stress after exercise.

Pain and SensitizationAutonomic Nervous System

E2 ModeratePEM not requiredModerate confidenceObservationalEditor reviewed

Endometriosis increased the risk of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis: A population-based study.

Wu, Chia-Chang, Chung, Shiu-Dong, Lin, Herng-Ching·Neurourology and urodynamics·2018

This study found that women with endometriosis (a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus) have a significantly higher risk of developing bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC), a chronic bladder pain condition. Over a 3-year period, about 4 times as many women with endometriosis developed BPS/IC compared to women without endometriosis. This suggests these two painful conditions may share common underlying mechanisms.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModeratePEM unclearModerate confidenceCross-SectionalEditor reviewed

Poor self-reported sleep quality and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Castro-Marrero, Jesús, Zaragozá, Maria C, González-Garcia, Sergio et al.·Journal of sleep research·2018

This study looked at sleep problems in 1,455 Spanish ME/CFS patients and found that nearly all of them reported poor sleep quality that wasn't refreshing, even when they slept. The researchers discovered that poor sleep was strongly linked to worse pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and lower quality of life overall. Several factors—including pain intensity, mood problems, fibromyalgia, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction—were particularly associated with sleep difficulties.

Pain and SensitizationSleepAutonomic Nervous System

E2 ModeratePEM not requiredModerate confidenceCross-SectionalEditor reviewed

Physical Examination for Men and Women With Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: A MAPP (Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain) Network Study.

Yang, Claire C, Miller, Jane L, Omidpanah, Adam et al.·Urology·2018

This study looked at physical examination findings in people with chronic pelvic pain to see if doctors could identify characteristic patterns. Researchers examined 62 people with pelvic pain and compared them to 42 people with chronic fatigue syndrome and 39 healthy people. They found that people with pelvic pain were much more likely to have tender muscles in the pelvic floor area, and a special extended examination could help identify which specific areas were affected.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModeratePEM not requiredWeak / uncertainCross-SectionalEditor reviewed

Negative Affectivity, Depression, and Resting Heart Rate Variability (HRV) as Possible Moderators of Endogenous Pain Modulation in Functional Somatic Syndromes.

Van Den Houte, Maaike, Van Oudenhove, Lukas, Van Diest, Ilse et al.·Frontiers in psychology·2018

This study looked at how the body's natural pain-blocking system works in people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and whether mood, depression, or heart rate variability might affect this system. Researchers compared 78 patients with these conditions to 33 healthy people using a test where they applied cold and electrical stimuli to see if pain would decrease. Unfortunately, the main pain-blocking effect the researchers expected to find did not appear in either group, so they could not draw clear conclusions about what affects pain modulation.

Pain and SensitizationAutonomic Nervous System

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Clinical Profile and Aspects of Differential Diagnosis in Patients with ME/CFS from Latvia.

Central sensitisation in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia; a case control study.

Impact of Life Stressors on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms: An Australian Longitudinal Study.

Longitudinal outcomes associated with significant other responses to chronic fatigue and pain.

Pain in adolescent chronic fatigue following Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Pressure Point Thresholds and ME/CFS Comorbidity as Indicators of Patient's Response to Manual Physiotherapy in Fibromyalgia.

Systemic Hyperalgesia in Females with Gulf War Illness, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.

Health-related quality of life in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an Australian cross-sectional study.

OnabotulinumtoxinA Is an Effective Treatment for Chronic Migraine in Patients With Comorbid Fibromyalgia.

Processing of Laser-Evoked Potentials in Patients with Chronic Whiplash-Associated Disorders, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Healthy Controls: A Case-Control Study.

Health Conditions and Psychotic Experiences: Cross-Sectional Findings From the American Life Panel.

Cognitive factors are associated with disability and pain, but not fatigue among physiotherapy attendees with persistent pain and fatigue.

Musculoskeletal Pain in Individuals With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Reflects Three Distinct Profiles.

Pain is associated with reduced quality of life and functional status in patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

The proportion of women with central sensitivity syndrome in gynecology outpatient clinics (GOPDs).

Relationship Between Exercise-induced Oxidative Stress Changes and Parasympathetic Activity in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Observational Study in Patients and Healthy Subjects.

Endometriosis increased the risk of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis: A population-based study.

Poor self-reported sleep quality and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Physical Examination for Men and Women With Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: A MAPP (Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain) Network Study.

Negative Affectivity, Depression, and Resting Heart Rate Variability (HRV) as Possible Moderators of Endogenous Pain Modulation in Functional Somatic Syndromes.

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