ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

661–680 of 6,122 studies

Effects of Qiye Shen'an Pian Combined with Glutamate and Vitamin B1 on Fatigue State, Immune Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Liu, Jun, Liao, Junfeng, Lin, Fan et al.·Alternative therapies in health and medicine·2024

Researchers tested whether a traditional Chinese herbal supplement (Qiye Shen'an Pian) combined with glutathione and vitamin B1 could help ME/CFS patients feel less tired and improve their immune system. Over 8 weeks, patients receiving the herbal supplement along with the standard treatment showed greater improvements in fatigue levels, immune markers, and overall quality of life compared to those receiving only the standard treatment.

Immune System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM requiredRCT

Videoconference-delivered group Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management for ME/CFS patients who present with severe PEM: A randomized controlled trial.

May, Marcella, Milrad, Sara F, Perdomo, Dolores M et al.·Fatigue : biomedicine, health & behavior·2024

This study tested whether a stress management program delivered by video could help ME/CFS patients who experience severe post-exertional malaise (PEM)—the worsening of symptoms after activity. Patients either received 10 weeks of cognitive behavioral stress management training or health information. For patients with severe PEM, the stress management program led to meaningful improvements in symptom frequency, symptom intensity, and fatigue-related problems, suggesting that managing stress may help reduce PEM severity.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM requiredRCT

Effects of a symptom-titrated exercise program on fatigue and quality of life in people with post-COVID condition - a randomized controlled trial.

Barz, Andreas, Berger, Joshua, Speicher, Marco et al.·Scientific reports·2024

This study tested whether a personalized exercise program that adjusts based on daily fatigue levels helps people with post-COVID condition. Over 10 weeks, 118 participants did exercise at commercial fitness facilities while a qualified trainer adjusted the intensity based on how they felt that day. The program significantly improved fatigue, quality of life, and physical strength without making symptoms worse.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Online acceptance and commitment therapy (iACT) for adults with persistent physical symptoms - 3-month follow-up study of a randomized controlled trial.

Lappalainen, Päivi, Keinonen, Katariina, Lappalainen, Raimo et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2024

This study tested whether an online therapy program based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) could help adults with persistent physical symptoms like chronic fatigue and environmental sensitivities. Adults receiving the 14-week online program combined with their usual medical care showed greater improvements in symptom severity, depression, and anxiety compared to those receiving usual care alone, with benefits lasting at least 3 months.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearRCT

RESTORE ME: a RCT of oxaloacetate for improving fatigue in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Cash, Alan, Vernon, Suzanne D, Rond, Candace et al.·Frontiers in neurology·2024

This study tested whether a supplement called oxaloacetate could help reduce fatigue in ME/CFS patients. Eighty-two people with ME/CFS took either 2,000 mg of oxaloacetate or a placebo daily for three months. The oxaloacetate group experienced a significant 25% reduction in fatigue, while the placebo group only improved by 10%, and the supplement was well tolerated with no safety concerns.

Energy Metabolism

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM requiredRCT

Exercise does not cause post-exertional malaise in Veterans with Gulf War Illness: A randomized, controlled, dose-response, crossover study.

Boruch, Alexander E, Barhorst, Ellen E, Rayne, Tessa J et al.·Brain, behavior, and immunity·2024

This study tested whether exercise of different intensities causes post-exertional malaise (PEM)—a worsening of symptoms after physical activity—in veterans with Gulf War Illness, a condition similar to ME/CFS. Forty participants did light, moderate, or vigorous cycling for 20 minutes, or simply rested, while researchers measured their symptoms, pain sensitivity, thinking ability, and blood markers before and after. The study found that exercise did not cause greater symptom worsening or other problems than rest, even at higher intensities.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Effectiveness of a brief multicomponent intervention to improve physical activity level and functional capacity in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (Synchronize+).

Martín-Borràs, Carme, González Serra, Gemma, Carrasco-Querol, Noèlia et al.·Frontiers in physiology·2024

Researchers tested a 12-hour program combining physical activity guidance, nutrition advice, and sleep/timing education for people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Participants who completed the program increased their weekly activity, reduced sitting time, slept better, and showed improvements in strength and aerobic fitness compared to those receiving standard care. These improvements appeared within 3 months of completing the brief intervention.

Sleep

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Sijunzi decoction, a classical Chinese herbal formula, improves fatigue symptoms with changes in gut microbiota in chronic fatigue syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical trial.

Dai, Liang, Liu, Zhidong, Zhou, Wenjuan et al.·Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology·2024

This study tested whether Sijunzi decoction, a traditional Chinese herbal formula, could reduce fatigue in ME/CFS patients. Over 100 people with ME/CFS took either the herbal formula or a placebo for 2 months. The herbal treatment group showed slightly more improvement in fatigue symptoms and overall health than the placebo group, and the improvement may be linked to changes in gut bacteria.

Gut Microbiome

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearRCT

The effects of 3-month supplementation with synbiotic on patient-reported outcomes, exercise tolerance, and brain and muscle metabolism in adult patients with post-COVID-19 chronic fatigue syndrome (STOP-FATIGUE): a randomized Placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Ranisavljev, Marijana, Stajer, Valdemar, Todorovic, Nikola et al.·European journal of nutrition·2024

This study tested whether a special mixture of beneficial gut bacteria (probiotics) plus fiber and zinc could help people with post-COVID chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Over three months, 26 patients took either the synbiotic mixture or a placebo, and researchers measured their fatigue, exercise recovery, and brain/muscle chemistry. The synbiotic group experienced better recovery after exercise and showed improvements in brain chemistry compared to the placebo group, though both groups felt less general fatigue.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Effectiveness of the SYNCHRONIZE + Brief Intervention in Improving Mediterranean Diet Adherence, Nutritional Quality and Intake Pattern in Persons with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Carrasco-Querol, Noèlia, Cabricano-Canga, Lorena, Bueno Hernández, Nerea et al.·Nutrients·2024

Researchers tested whether a Mediterranean diet program called SYNCHRONIZE + could help people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome eat better and feel healthier. Over one year, participants who received the intervention ate more vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and fish, while eating fewer sweets and processed meats. People in the program also had better muscle mass and fewer nighttime eating habits.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearRCT

Graded exercise therapy compared to activity management for paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: pragmatic randomized controlled trial.

Gaunt, Daisy M, Brigden, Amberly, Harris, Shaun R S et al.·European journal of pediatrics·2024

This study compared two types of treatment for children with ME/CFS: graded exercise therapy (gradually increasing physical activity) and activity management (focusing on managing daily activities at school, home, and socially). After 6 and 12 months, both treatments showed only small improvements, and there was no clear difference between them. In fact, children receiving exercise therapy showed a slightly higher risk of getting worse.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Gastric dysmotility and gastrointestinal symptoms in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Steinsvik, Elisabeth K, Hausken, Trygve, Fluge, Øystein et al.·Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology·2023

Many people with ME/CFS experience stomach and digestive problems like bloating, nausea, and abdominal pain. This study used ultrasound imaging to examine how the stomach processes food in 20 ME/CFS patients with digestive complaints, comparing them to healthy people. The researchers found that ME/CFS patients' stomachs don't relax and expand normally after eating, and they are more sensitive to discomfort, similar to a condition called functional dyspepsia.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearRCT

Amygdala and Insula Retraining (AIR) Significantly Reduces Fatigue and Increases Energy in People with Long COVID.

Toussaint, Loren L, Bratty, Alexandra J·Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM·2023

This study tested whether a brain retraining program called Amygdala and Insula Retraining (AIR) could help people with Long COVID feel less exhausted and have more energy. Over 3 months, people who did the AIR program reported significantly less fatigue and more energy compared to a control group that received a different wellness program. The AIR group showed roughly twice the improvement in energy levels and four times the improvement in fatigue compared to the control group.

Interventions

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Dose-effect of long-snake-like moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Luo, Hong, Gong, Rui, Zheng, Rui et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2023

This study tested whether longer sessions of a traditional Chinese medicine treatment called long-snake-like moxibustion (heat therapy applied to specific body points) help people with chronic fatigue syndrome. In 60 women with CFS, researchers compared 60-minute treatment sessions versus 30-minute sessions, given three times per week for 4 weeks. The 60-minute sessions were associated with greater reported improvements in fatigue scores and thermal imaging changes compared to the 30-minute sessions, though this is one small trial and the treatment remains uncommon in mainstream medicine.

Interventions

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

A prospective randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effectiveness of neuroprotective therapy using functional brain MRI in patients with post-covid chronic fatigue syndrome.

Tanashyan, M, Morozova, S, Raskurazhev, A et al.·Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie·2023

Researchers tested whether a drug called CCSA (a compound containing succinate acid) could help people with post-COVID fatigue and brain fog. They used advanced brain imaging scans to measure changes in brain activity before and after treatment. The CCSA group showed greater improvement in fatigue symptoms and thinking skills compared to the placebo group.

Cognitive Impairment

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearObservational

Endothelial dysfunction in ME/CFS patients.

Sandvik, Miriam Kristine, Sørland, Kari, Leirgul, Elisabeth et al.·PloS one·2023

This study found that people with ME/CFS have problems with how their blood vessels function—both the larger vessels and the smaller ones that deliver oxygen throughout the body. Researchers measured blood vessel response in 39 ME/CFS patients and compared them to healthy people, and found significant differences. Interestingly, when patients were treated over 18 months, their smaller blood vessel function improved slightly, though the larger blood vessels did not change.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearRCT

Yeast Beta-Glucan Supplementation with Multivitamins Attenuates Cognitive Impairments in Individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Lacasa, Marcos, Alegre-Martin, Jose, Sentañes, Ramon Sanmartin et al.·Nutrients·2023

This study tested whether a supplement made from yeast beta-glucan combined with vitamin D, B6, and zinc could help people with ME/CFS feel less mentally tired and think more clearly. Over 36 weeks, 65 ME/CFS patients took either the supplement or a placebo pill, and researchers measured changes in cognitive fatigue using a standard questionnaire. The group taking the beta-glucan supplement showed meaningful improvement in mental fatigue compared to the placebo group.

Cognitive Impairment

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

eLearning improves allied health professionals' knowledge and confidence to manage medically unexplained chronic fatigue states: A randomized controlled trial.

Jones, Matthew D, Casson, Sally M, Barry, Benjamin K et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2023

This study tested whether an online training program could help doctors and therapists better understand and treat chronic fatigue conditions. Allied health professionals who completed the 4-week online course significantly improved their knowledge and confidence in managing these patients, compared to those who didn't receive training. Most participants found the course helpful and would recommend it to others.

Interventions

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Effects of Yijinjing Qigongin Alleviating Fatigue, Sleep Quality, and Health Status on Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Randomized, Controlled, and Parallel Group Clinical Study.

Xie, Fangfang, Dong, Wenjun, Guan, Chong et al.·Complementary medicine research·2023

This study tested whether Yijinjing, an ancient Chinese exercise practice with 12 movements, could help patients with ME/CFS. Forty patients either practiced Yijinjing six times per week for 12 weeks or received cognitive behavioral education. The Yijinjing group showed greater improvements in fatigue, sleep quality, and quality of life compared to the education group.

SleepPain and Sensitization

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study: efficacy of faecal microbiota transplantation on chronic fatigue syndrome.

Salonen, Tapani, Jokinen, Elina, Satokari, Reetta et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2023

Researchers tested whether transplanting gut bacteria from healthy donors into ME/CFS patients could reduce fatigue and improve quality of life. Eleven patients received either bacteria from a healthy donor or their own bacteria (a placebo control) via colonoscopy, and their symptoms were tracked for six months. The treatment was safe, but it did not improve fatigue, pain, or overall quality of life compared to placebo.

Gut Microbiome

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Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

Effects of Qiye Shen'an Pian Combined with Glutamate and Vitamin B1 on Fatigue State, Immune Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Videoconference-delivered group Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management for ME/CFS patients who present with severe PEM: A randomized controlled trial.

Effects of a symptom-titrated exercise program on fatigue and quality of life in people with post-COVID condition - a randomized controlled trial.

Online acceptance and commitment therapy (iACT) for adults with persistent physical symptoms - 3-month follow-up study of a randomized controlled trial.

RESTORE ME: a RCT of oxaloacetate for improving fatigue in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Exercise does not cause post-exertional malaise in Veterans with Gulf War Illness: A randomized, controlled, dose-response, crossover study.

Effectiveness of a brief multicomponent intervention to improve physical activity level and functional capacity in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (Synchronize+).

Sijunzi decoction, a classical Chinese herbal formula, improves fatigue symptoms with changes in gut microbiota in chronic fatigue syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical trial.

The effects of 3-month supplementation with synbiotic on patient-reported outcomes, exercise tolerance, and brain and muscle metabolism in adult patients with post-COVID-19 chronic fatigue syndrome (STOP-FATIGUE): a randomized Placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Effectiveness of the SYNCHRONIZE + Brief Intervention in Improving Mediterranean Diet Adherence, Nutritional Quality and Intake Pattern in Persons with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Graded exercise therapy compared to activity management for paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: pragmatic randomized controlled trial.

Gastric dysmotility and gastrointestinal symptoms in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Amygdala and Insula Retraining (AIR) Significantly Reduces Fatigue and Increases Energy in People with Long COVID.

Dose-effect of long-snake-like moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

A prospective randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effectiveness of neuroprotective therapy using functional brain MRI in patients with post-covid chronic fatigue syndrome.

Endothelial dysfunction in ME/CFS patients.

Yeast Beta-Glucan Supplementation with Multivitamins Attenuates Cognitive Impairments in Individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

eLearning improves allied health professionals' knowledge and confidence to manage medically unexplained chronic fatigue states: A randomized controlled trial.

Effects of Yijinjing Qigongin Alleviating Fatigue, Sleep Quality, and Health Status on Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Randomized, Controlled, and Parallel Group Clinical Study.

Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study: efficacy of faecal microbiota transplantation on chronic fatigue syndrome.

Curated Collections

Neuroinflammation Evidence

Metabolism & Mitochondria

Biomarkers

PEM-Specific Research