ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

661–680 of 6,187 studies

Effects of recumbent isometric yoga on the daily functioning level of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized, controlled trial.

Oka, Takakazu, Lkhagvasuren, Battuvshin, Yamada, Yu·BioPsychoSocial medicine·2025

Researchers tested whether a gentle yoga program designed for bedridden ME/CFS patients could help improve their daily functioning and fatigue. Patients in the yoga group practiced recumbent (lying-down) isometric yoga for about 12 weeks alongside their regular treatment, while the control group received standard treatment alone. The yoga group showed significantly better improvements in functioning and fatigue levels, especially those with severe disease or fibromyalgia, with no serious side effects reported.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM requiredRCT

Assessing fatigue in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients before and after treatment with bright light therapy: A prospective randomized controlled crossover study.

Ludwig, Birgit, Hauer, Lea, Böck, Marion et al.·Sleep medicine·2025

Researchers tested whether bright light therapy—using special light boxes at home for two weeks—could help reduce fatigue in ME/CFS patients. While fatigue scores did improve immediately after the light therapy, these improvements did not remain significant when compared fairly to a waitlist control group. The study did find that bright light therapy may have helped patients concentrate better and react faster to tasks.

Autonomic Nervous SystemCognitive Impairment

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearRCT

Physical function and psychosocial outcomes after a 6-month self-paced aquatic exercise program for individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Broadbent, Suzanne, Coetzee, Sonja, Calder, Angela et al.·European journal of applied physiology·2025

This study tested whether gentle water-based exercise could help people with ME/CFS. Thirty-two people were split into two groups: one did 20-minute water exercise sessions twice a week for 6 months, while the other group didn't exercise. The exercise group improved their walking distance, leg strength, and reported less fatigue and depression, without experiencing any symptom flare-ups or harm.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Chronic fatigue syndrome post-COVID-19: triple-blind randomised clinical trial of Astragalus root extract.

Banihashemi, Zahra-Sadat, Azizi-Fini, Ismail, Rajabi, Mahdi et al.·BMJ supportive & palliative care·2025

Researchers tested whether Astragalus root extract, a herbal supplement, could help nurses with post-COVID chronic fatigue. Half the nurses received the supplement (500 mg twice daily) and half received a placebo, and fatigue levels were measured before, at the end, and one month after treatment. The group taking Astragalus showed significant improvements in fatigue symptoms, while the placebo group did not improve as much.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Exercise rehabilitation in post COVID-19 patients: a randomized controlled trial of different training modalities.

Sick, Johanna, Steinbacher, Verena, Kotnik, Daniel et al.·European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine·2025

This study tested whether exercise could help people recover from long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms like fatigue and reduced fitness. Sixty-three people with post-COVID symptoms were divided into three groups: one did endurance exercise, one did mixed strength and endurance exercise, and one did no exercise. After 12 weeks, both exercise groups improved their heart fitness and felt less fatigued, while the non-exercise group showed less improvement.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Prevalence of Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions in Participants With Chronic Low Back Pain Enrolled in a Pragmatic Trial of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.

Miller, Vanessa Eve, Barnhill, Jessica, Greco, Carol M et al.·European journal of pain (London, England)·2025

This study looked at people with chronic low back pain to see how often they also have other long-term pain conditions like fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and ME/CFS. Researchers found that 45% of people with back pain also had at least one other chronic pain condition, and these people reported more pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression than those with back pain alone. The study suggests that chronic pain conditions often occur together and may share similar underlying causes.

Pain and Sensitization

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Balneotherapy for the treatment of post-COVID syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Ovejero, Diana, Ribes, Anna, Villar-García, Judit et al.·BMC complementary medicine and therapies·2025

Researchers tested whether balneotherapy (therapeutic bathing and aquatic exercises) could help people with long COVID symptoms. Ninety-eight adults with long COVID participated—half received 12 sessions of balneotherapy over one month, while the other half did not. The treatment group showed improvements in sleep quality, anxiety, pain, and fatigue compared to the control group, though some people experienced temporary worsening of fatigue during early sessions.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Evaluating the Effects of Crocus sativus L. Herbal Product on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Dastan, Farzaneh, Salamzadeh, Jamshid, Heshmatnia, Jalal et al.·Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research : IJPR·2025

This study tested whether saffron extract could help reduce extreme tiredness in people who have both COPD (a lung disease) and chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers gave one group of patients saffron capsules twice daily for 8 weeks, while another group received a placebo (dummy pill). The saffron group showed significant improvement in fatigue and quality of life compared to the placebo group.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on heart rate variability in chronic fatigue syndrome patients: Regulating the autonomic nervous system in a clinical randomized controlled trial.

Li, Tong, Litscher, Gerhard, Zhou, Yudian et al.·Complementary therapies in medicine·2025

This study tested whether acupuncture and moxibustion (a traditional heat therapy) could help people with chronic fatigue syndrome by measuring changes in heart rate variability, which reflects how well the nervous system is working. Researchers divided 175 CFS patients into groups receiving different acupuncture treatments, fake acupuncture, or moxibustion over 10 sessions. Both acupuncture and moxibustion reduced fatigue symptoms, with combining both approaches working best, and the treatments appeared to help balance the body's stress response system.

Autonomic Nervous System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

"The effect of acupressure on fatigue in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome".

Kurç, Doğukan, Şakul, Ayşe Arzu Sayin, Atilgan, Esra·Explore (New York, N.Y.)·2025

This study tested whether acupressure—a technique where pressure is applied to specific points on the body—could help reduce fatigue in people with ME/CFS who work in offices. Thirty-nine people received either 10 acupressure sessions over 4 weeks or no treatment. Those who received acupressure reported significantly less fatigue, better mood, and improved quality of life compared to those who received no treatment.

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 ReplicatedCohortPEM unclearLongitudinal

Six-year follow-up of participants in two clinical trials of rituximab or cyclophosphamide in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Rekeland, Ingrid G, Sørland, Kari, Neteland, Lisbeth Lykke et al.·PloS one·2024

This study followed patients with ME/CFS for six years after they received either rituximab (an antibody treatment), cyclophosphamide (a chemotherapy drug), or placebo in two earlier clinical trials. The researchers tracked how much the patients could do in their daily lives using standard questionnaires. Cyclophosphamide showed the most improvement, with 44% of those patients reaching good functional levels after six years, but the rituximab and placebo groups showed smaller benefits.

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 not requiredRCT

Efficacy of aquatic vs land-based therapy for pain management in women with fibromyalgia: a randomised controlled trial.

Rivas Neira, S, Pasqual Marques, A, Fernández Cervantes, R et al.·Physiotherapy·2024

This study compared two types of exercise therapy for women with fibromyalgia: exercising in a pool (aquatic therapy) versus exercising on land. Both groups did 60-minute exercise sessions three times a week for 12 weeks. Six weeks after the program ended, women who did aquatic therapy reported less pain and better sleep quality than those who exercised on land, suggesting that water-based exercise may be particularly helpful for fibromyalgia.

Pain and SensitizationSleep

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Impact of combined plant extracts on long COVID: An exploratory randomized controlled trial.

Lukkunaprasit, Thitiya, Satapornpong, Patompong, Kulchanawichien, Pongsiri et al.·Complementary therapies in medicine·2024

Researchers tested whether a supplement made from five plant extracts could help people with long COVID feel better. Over 7 days, people taking the supplement reported feeling less fatigued and had fewer severe symptoms like post-exertional malaise (worsening after activity) compared to those taking a placebo. The supplement was generally safe, though the study was small and longer research is needed to confirm these results.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

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 not requiredRCT

Comparison of cognitive behaviour therapy versus activity management, both delivered remotely, to treat paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: the UK FITNET-NHS RCT.

Crawley, Esther, Anderson, Emma, Cochrane, Madeleine et al.·Health technology assessment (Winchester, England)·2024

This study compared two online treatments for teenagers with ME/CFS: a cognitive behavioural therapy programme called FITNET-NHS and activity management delivered by video calls. After 6 months, teenagers using FITNET-NHS showed better improvements in physical function and attended about half a day more school per week than those receiving activity management. However, FITNET-NHS was more expensive, and by 12 months both groups had improved similarly, making it unclear whether the extra cost was worth the temporary benefit.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearRCT

Effectiveness of an online multicomponent program (FATIGUEWALK) for chronic fatigue syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.

Serrat, Mayte, Navarrete, Jaime, Ferrés, Sònia et al.·Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association·2024

Researchers tested an online 12-week program called FATIGUEWALK that combines education about pain and fatigue, gentle exercise, cognitive techniques, and mindfulness training for people with ME/CFS. Compared to people who only received standard care, those who completed FATIGUEWALK showed meaningful improvements in fatigue, pain, mood, and daily functioning. About 1 in 5 participants improved with the program who wouldn't have with standard care alone.

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 not requiredRCT

Acupoint massage at Shenque (CV 8) for chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Li, Zhijun, Ji, Rong, Yan, Chaoqun et al.·Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion·2024

Researchers tested whether massaging a specific acupuncture point called Shenque (located on the abdomen) could help people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Patients in the treatment group received 10-minute massages three times a week for four weeks, while the control group received no treatment. The treatment group showed meaningful improvements in fatigue and sleep quality compared to the control group.

Sleep

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Effects of recumbent isometric yoga on the daily functioning level of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized, controlled trial.

Assessing fatigue in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients before and after treatment with bright light therapy: A prospective randomized controlled crossover study.

Physical function and psychosocial outcomes after a 6-month self-paced aquatic exercise program for individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic fatigue syndrome post-COVID-19: triple-blind randomised clinical trial of Astragalus root extract.

Exercise rehabilitation in post COVID-19 patients: a randomized controlled trial of different training modalities.

Prevalence of Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions in Participants With Chronic Low Back Pain Enrolled in a Pragmatic Trial of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.

Balneotherapy for the treatment of post-COVID syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Evaluating the Effects of Crocus sativus L. Herbal Product on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on heart rate variability in chronic fatigue syndrome patients: Regulating the autonomic nervous system in a clinical randomized controlled trial.

"The effect of acupressure on fatigue in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome".

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

Six-year follow-up of participants in two clinical trials of rituximab or cyclophosphamide in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

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.

Efficacy of aquatic vs land-based therapy for pain management in women with fibromyalgia: a randomised controlled trial.

Impact of combined plant extracts on long COVID: An exploratory randomized controlled trial.

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.

Comparison of cognitive behaviour therapy versus activity management, both delivered remotely, to treat paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: the UK FITNET-NHS RCT.

Effectiveness of an online multicomponent program (FATIGUEWALK) for chronic fatigue syndrome: A randomized controlled 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.

Acupoint massage at Shenque (CV 8) for chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

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