ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

741–760 of 6,122 studies

E1 ReplicatedCohortPEM unclearObservational

Cytokine signature associated with disease severity in chronic fatigue syndrome patients

Jose G. Montoya, Tyson H. Holmes, Jill N. Anderson et al.·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)·2017·n=192

Stanford researchers measured 51 cytokines in 192 ME/CFS patients and 392 healthy controls. Seventeen cytokines were significantly elevated in ME/CFS, with TGF-beta most strongly associated with disease severity. More severe patients had higher cytokine levels, suggesting immune activation scales with illness burden.

Immune SystemBiomarkersSevere ME

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Effectiveness of a group-based self-management program for people with chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Pinxsterhuis, Irma, Sandvik, Leiv, Strand, Elin Bolle et al.·Clinical rehabilitation·2017

This study tested whether a group self-management program (eight meetings over four months) could help people with ME/CFS feel better compared to standard care. At six months, the program group reported less fatigue severity and felt more confident in managing their condition, but these improvements didn't last until the one-year follow-up. Overall, the program did not provide lasting benefits compared to usual care alone.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Treatment expectations influence the outcome of multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment in patients with CFS.

Vos-Vromans, D C W M, Huijnen, I P J, Rijnders, L J M et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2016

This study tested whether patients' expectations about treatment affect how well they recover from ME/CFS. Researchers gave 122 patients either cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment (MRT) and measured their expectations before starting. They found that for patients receiving MRT, having positive expectations was linked to better outcomes in fatigue and physical quality of life—but this connection was not found in the CBT group.

Interventions

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Participant attributions for global change ratings in unexplained chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Friedberg, Fred, Coronel, Janna, Seva, Viktoria et al.·Journal of health psychology·2016

Researchers asked 67 people with chronic fatigue who were trying a behavioral treatment program why they felt better, worse, or unchanged after 3 months. Those who improved pointed to specific changes in their daily activities and habits. Those who didn't improve mentioned that their lifestyle hadn't really changed. Those who felt worse blamed stress or major life events. Understanding what patients think helped or hurt them could help doctors develop better treatment strategies.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Physical effects of a reconditioning programme in a group of chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

Guillamo, Elisabet, Barbany, Joan R, Blazquez, Alicia et al.·The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness·2016

This study tested whether a 24-week exercise program (12 weeks in a lab, 12 weeks at home) could safely help ME/CFS patients improve strength, balance, and physical function. Sixty-eight patients were divided into two groups: one did the exercise program while the other received no intervention. Patients who completed the exercise program showed improvements in balance and muscle strength, with no serious setbacks reported.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM requiredRCT

Fatigue Exacerbation by Interval or Continuous Exercise in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Sandler, Carolina X, Lloyd, Andrew R, Barry, Benjamin K·Medicine and science in sports and exercise·2016

This study compared how people with ME/CFS feel after two types of exercise: high-intensity interval training (short bursts of harder exercise) and steady, continuous moderate exercise. Both types of exercise caused fatigue to worsen slightly afterward, but there was no meaningful difference between them. The findings suggest that high-intensity exercise might be safe to study further as part of graded exercise therapy programs.

ME/CFS (general)

E1 ReplicatedCohortPEM requiredObservational

Metabolic features of chronic fatigue syndrome

Robert K. Naviaux, Jane C. Naviaux, Kefeng Li et al.·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)·2016·n=84

This study analyzed blood metabolites from 84 ME/CFS patients and 45 healthy controls using untargeted metabolomics. Researchers found 80% of the abnormal metabolites were decreased in ME/CFS patients, suggesting a hypometabolic state — the body running in energy conservation mode. The pattern resembled a 'dauer-like' state seen in organisms under stress.

Energy MetabolismBiomarkers

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Acupuncture and Moxibustion have Different Effects on Fatigue by Regulating the Autonomic Nervous System: A Pilot Controlled Clinical Trial.

Shu, Qing, Wang, Hua, Litscher, Daniela et al.·Scientific reports·2016

This study tested whether two traditional Chinese medicine treatments—acupuncture and moxibustion (warming therapy)—could help reduce fatigue in ME/CFS patients. Forty-five people were divided into three groups: two received acupuncture and one received moxibustion. Both treatments reduced fatigue, but moxibustion appeared to work better, especially over the long term, possibly by calming the nervous system.

Autonomic Nervous System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Graded versus Intermittent Exercise Effects on Lymphocytes in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Broadbent, Suzanne, Coutts, Rosanne·Medicine and science in sports and exercise·2016

This study tested whether two types of exercise programs—graded (gradually increasing intensity) and intermittent (alternating intense and easy periods)—could help improve immune system function in ME/CFS patients. Over 12 weeks, both exercise types led to increases in certain immune cells and improved fitness without making symptoms worse. Intermittent exercise appeared to work slightly better than graded exercise for boosting immune activation.

Immune System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Human Placental Extract as a Subcutaneous Injection Is Effective in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Multi-Center, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Park, Sat Byul, Kim, Kyu-Nam, Sung, Eunju et al.·Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin·2016

Researchers tested whether injections of human placental extract (a substance derived from placentas) could help people with ME/CFS feel less fatigued. Seventy-eight people with chronic fatigue received either the placental extract or a placebo (dummy injection) three times per week for 6 weeks. Those who received the real extract reported greater improvements in fatigue levels compared to the placebo group, though the benefit was only seen in people with ME/CFS, not in those with other types of chronic fatigue.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

The efficacy of guided self-instruction for patients with idiopathic chronic fatigue: A randomized controlled trial.

Janse, A, Wiborg, J F, Bleijenberg, G et al.·Journal of consulting and clinical psychology·2016

This study tested whether a self-help booklet combined with email support from a therapist could help people with chronic fatigue improve their energy levels and daily functioning. One hundred patients were randomly assigned to either receive the intervention or wait for later treatment. The results showed that people who received the guided self-instruction experienced significant improvements in fatigue severity and overall ability to function compared to those who waited.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredObservational

Complementary and alternative healthcare use by participants in the PACE trial of treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Lewith, G, Stuart, B, Chalder, T et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2016

This study looked at how many people with ME/CFS use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)—such as herbal supplements, acupuncture, or other non-standard treatments—and whether these helped their symptoms. Researchers found that 70% of study participants used some form of CAM at the start, but using CAM was not associated with meaningful improvements in fatigue or physical function over the course of the study.

Interventions

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Effect of coenzyme Q10 plus nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide supplementation on maximum heart rate after exercise testing in chronic fatigue syndrome - A randomized, controlled, double-blind trial.

Castro-Marrero, Jesus, Sáez-Francàs, Naia, Segundo, María Jose et al.·Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland)·2016

This study tested whether two supplements called CoQ10 and NADH could help people with ME/CFS feel less fatigued and improve their exercise capacity. Eighty patients took either the supplements or placebo for 8 weeks. The results showed modest improvements: the supplement group had lower maximum heart rates during exercise testing and reported less fatigue, but pain and sleep didn't improve.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Supplementation with Guanidinoacetic Acid in Women with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Ostojic, Sergej M, Stojanovic, Marko, Drid, Patrik et al.·Nutrients·2016

Researchers tested whether a supplement called guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) could help women with ME/CFS. Twenty-one women took either GAA or a placebo for three months. While GAA increased muscle creatine levels and improved some measures of strength and aerobic power, it did not reduce fatigue or muscle pain—the main symptoms patients care about most.

Energy Metabolism

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Genetic variation in catechol-O-methyltransferase modifies effects of clonidine treatment in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Hall, K T, Kossowsky, J, Oberlander, T F et al.·The pharmacogenomics journal·2016

This study tested whether a blood pressure medication called clonidine helps people with ME/CFS, and found that it worked differently depending on patients' genes. Specifically, people with a certain genetic variation in a gene called COMT had worse outcomes (fewer steps walked, worse sleep, lower quality of life) when taking clonidine, while those with a different version of the gene showed no improvement or worsening. This suggests that genetic testing might help doctors figure out which patients should avoid this medication.

Interventions

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Ubiquinol-10 supplementation improves autonomic nervous function and cognitive function in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Fukuda, Sanae, Nojima, Junzo, Kajimoto, Osami et al.·BioFactors (Oxford, England)·2016

This study tested whether taking a supplement called ubiquinol-10 (a form of coenzyme Q10) could help people with ME/CFS feel better. Researchers first gave 20 patients ubiquinol-10 for 8 weeks and saw improvements, then tested it more rigorously in 43 patients who either received ubiquinol-10 or a placebo for 12 weeks. The results suggested that ubiquinol-10 may help improve some CFS symptoms, particularly problems with nerve function and thinking ability.

Autonomic Nervous System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Randomised controlled trial of cognitive behaviour therapy delivered in groups of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Wiborg, Jan F, van Bussel, Jose, van Dijk, Agaat et al.·Psychotherapy and psychosomatics·2015

This study tested whether cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)—a type of talking therapy that helps people change thought patterns and behaviours—could help people with ME/CFS when delivered in group settings. 204 patients were randomly assigned to either receive group CBT or join a waiting list. Those who received CBT showed significant improvements in fatigue severity, physical functioning, and overall quality of life compared to those who waited.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Effect of intermittent vitamin D3 on vascular function and symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome--a randomised controlled trial.

Witham, M D, Adams, F, McSwiggan, S et al.·Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD·2015

This study tested whether high-dose vitamin D supplements could improve blood vessel health and reduce fatigue in ME/CFS patients, since people with ME/CFS often have low vitamin D levels and poor blood vessel function. Fifty patients received either vitamin D3 (100,000 units every 2 months) or placebo for 6 months. The vitamin D supplements did increase vitamin D levels in the blood, but they did not improve blood vessel stiffness, blood pressure, cholesterol, or fatigue symptoms.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Effects of low-dose clonidine on cardiovascular and autonomic variables in adolescents with chronic fatigue: a randomized controlled trial.

Fagermoen, Even, Sulheim, Dag, Winger, Anette et al.·BMC pediatrics·2015

This study tested whether a low-dose blood pressure medication called clonidine could help adolescents with ME/CFS, particularly those experiencing dizziness when standing up. Researchers found that clonidine did reduce certain stress hormones in the blood and improved some measurements of heart rhythm control while lying down, but it did not relieve the actual symptoms of dizziness or improve heart function during positional changes.

Autonomic Nervous System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Effect of Lixujieyu recipe in combination with Five Elements music therapy on chronic fatigue syndrome.

Zhang, Zhenxian, Cai, Zhixing, Yu, Yonghui et al.·Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan·2015

This study tested whether a traditional Chinese herbal medicine (Lixujieyu recipe) combined with specific types of music therapy could help reduce fatigue, depression, and anxiety in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers assigned 90 patients to different groups: five groups received the herbal medicine plus different types of music therapy, and one group received the herbal medicine alone. After 4 weeks of treatment, patients who received the herbal medicine combined with certain music types (Gong-Tune or Jiao-Tune) showed better improvement in fatigue, depression, and anxiety compared to the herbal medicine alone.

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Evidence browser

Cytokine signature associated with disease severity in chronic fatigue syndrome patients

Effectiveness of a group-based self-management program for people with chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Treatment expectations influence the outcome of multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment in patients with CFS.

Participant attributions for global change ratings in unexplained chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Physical effects of a reconditioning programme in a group of chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

Fatigue Exacerbation by Interval or Continuous Exercise in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Metabolic features of chronic fatigue syndrome

Acupuncture and Moxibustion have Different Effects on Fatigue by Regulating the Autonomic Nervous System: A Pilot Controlled Clinical Trial.

Graded versus Intermittent Exercise Effects on Lymphocytes in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Human Placental Extract as a Subcutaneous Injection Is Effective in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Multi-Center, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.

The efficacy of guided self-instruction for patients with idiopathic chronic fatigue: A randomized controlled trial.

Complementary and alternative healthcare use by participants in the PACE trial of treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Effect of coenzyme Q10 plus nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide supplementation on maximum heart rate after exercise testing in chronic fatigue syndrome - A randomized, controlled, double-blind trial.

Supplementation with Guanidinoacetic Acid in Women with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Genetic variation in catechol-O-methyltransferase modifies effects of clonidine treatment in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Ubiquinol-10 supplementation improves autonomic nervous function and cognitive function in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Randomised controlled trial of cognitive behaviour therapy delivered in groups of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Effect of intermittent vitamin D3 on vascular function and symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome--a randomised controlled trial.

Effects of low-dose clonidine on cardiovascular and autonomic variables in adolescents with chronic fatigue: a randomized controlled trial.

Effect of Lixujieyu recipe in combination with Five Elements music therapy on chronic fatigue syndrome.

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