ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

741–760 of 6,157 studies

[Efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding combined with ginger-partitioned moxibustion on chronic fatigue syndrome of spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome and its effects on T lymphocyte subsets and activity of NK cell].

Xia, Depeng, Chen, Peifang, Du, Peixue et al.·Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion·2017

This study tested whether a traditional Chinese medicine treatment combining acupuncture with catgut embedding and ginger-based moxibustion could help people with chronic fatigue syndrome. The treatment group showed greater improvements in fatigue symptoms and immune system markers compared to people receiving standard acupuncture alone, with 96.7% reporting benefit.

Immune System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Muscle injections with lidocaine improve resting fatigue and pain in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Staud, Roland, Kizer, Taylor, Robinson, Michael E·Journal of pain research·2017

Researchers tested whether injecting a numbing medication (lidocaine) into muscles could help ME/CFS patients with fatigue and pain. Compared to a placebo injection, lidocaine injections did reduce fatigue more effectively, and both types of injections reduced pain, depression, and anxiety. This suggests that signals from muscles themselves may play a role in ME/CFS symptoms.

Pain and Sensitization

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Adiponectin Potentially Contributes to the Antidepressive Effects of Baduanjin Qigong Exercise in Women With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Like Illness.

Chan, Jessie S M, Li, Ang, Ng, Siu-Man et al.·Cell transplantation·2017

This study tested whether a gentle exercise called Baduanjin Qigong could help women with chronic fatigue syndrome-like illness by increasing a protein called adiponectin. Women who did Qigong exercises for 16 sessions showed increased adiponectin levels and improved depression and anxiety symptoms compared to a control group. The results suggest that adiponectin may be one way Qigong exercise helps reduce depression in people with this condition.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Imipramine versus placebo for multiple functional somatic syndromes (STreSS-3): a double-blind, randomised study.

Agger, Johanne L, Schröder, Andreas, Gormsen, Lise K et al.·The lancet. Psychiatry·2017

This study tested whether a low-dose antidepressant called imipramine could help people who have multiple overlapping chronic conditions like ME/CFS and irritable bowel syndrome. Over 10 weeks, patients taking imipramine were more likely to report feeling better (53%) compared to those taking placebo (25%), but imipramine caused more side effects, particularly moderate ones like dry mouth and dizziness.

Interventions

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Cytokine Inhibition in Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Randomized Trial.

Roerink, Megan E, Bredie, Sebastian J H, Heijnen, Michael et al.·Annals of internal medicine·2017

Researchers tested whether a drug called anakinra, which reduces inflammation in the body, could help reduce fatigue in women with ME/CFS. Over 4 weeks, patients received either anakinra injections or placebo (dummy injections), and both groups were followed for an additional 20 weeks. The drug did not significantly improve fatigue or other symptoms compared to placebo, though some patients experienced injection site reactions.

Immune System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Chronic fatigue syndrome treated by the traditional Chinese procedure abdominal tuina: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Li, Huanan, Wang, Jingui, Zhang, Wei et al.·Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan·2017

This study tested whether abdominal tuina (a traditional Chinese massage technique) could help people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Eighty patients were randomly assigned to receive either abdominal tuina or acupuncture once daily for 4 weeks. Both treatments improved fatigue, anxiety, and depression scores, but the abdominal tuina group showed slightly better improvements in fatigue and depression, with few side effects reported.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Long-term economic evaluation of cognitive-behavioural group treatment versus enhanced usual care for functional somatic syndromes.

Schröder, Andreas, Ørnbøl, Eva, Jensen, Jens S et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2017

This study compared a structured group therapy program (called STreSS) with standard care for people with long-term physical symptoms like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Researchers tracked costs and health improvements over 40 months and found that although the therapy cost money upfront, it eventually saved money overall because more patients were able to work and needed fewer medical services.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Economic evaluation of multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment versus cognitive behavioural therapy for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.

Vos-Vromans, Desirée, Evers, Silvia, Huijnen, Ivan et al.·PloS one·2017

This study compared the cost and effectiveness of two treatments for ME/CFS: multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment (MRT), which involves physical therapy, psychology, and medical care working together, versus cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing thinking patterns and behaviors. Over one year, MRT reduced fatigue more effectively than CBT, but it cost significantly more money. Whether MRT is worth the extra cost depends on which outcome you prioritize—if fatigue reduction is most important, MRT appears cost-effective; if overall quality of life is most important, CBT may be better value.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Guided graded exercise self-help plus specialist medical care versus specialist medical care alone for chronic fatigue syndrome (GETSET): a pragmatic randomised controlled trial.

Clark, Lucy V, Pesola, Francesca, Thomas, Janice M et al.·Lancet (London, England)·2017

This study tested whether a self-help exercise program with some guidance from a physiotherapist could help ME/CFS patients reduce fatigue and improve physical function. Patients either received standard medical care alone or standard care plus a guided self-help exercise booklet with up to four brief coaching sessions over 8 weeks. The guided exercise group showed modest improvements in fatigue and physical function at 12 weeks, and the program was found to be safe.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearRCT

Intermittent and graded exercise effects on NK cell degranulation markers LAMP-1/LAMP-2 and CD8+CD38+ in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Broadbent, Suzanne, Coutts, Rosanne·Physiological reports·2017

This study tested whether two types of exercise programs could help improve immune system function in ME/CFS patients. Twenty-four ME/CFS patients were assigned to either graded exercise, intermittent exercise, or usual care, and researchers measured specific immune cells before and after 12 weeks. Both exercise programs increased markers of natural killer cell activity without making symptoms worse, and improved patients' exercise capacity.

Immune System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

[Chronic fatigue syndrome treated with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation: a randomized controlled trial].

Li, Jinxia, Xie, Jingjun, Pan, Zhongqiang et al.·Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion·2017

Researchers tested a treatment called transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS)—a non-invasive electrical stimulation applied to specific acupuncture points on the body—in 89 people with ME/CFS. After 4 weeks of daily treatment, the group receiving real TEAS showed significant improvements in fatigue and overall symptoms, while the group receiving sham (fake) TEAS did not improve. The treatment was well-tolerated with no reported side effects.

Interventions

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Guided graded exercise self-help as a treatment of fatigue in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Clauw, Daniel J·Lancet (London, England)·2017

This study tested whether a self-help program involving gradual, guided exercise could help reduce fatigue in people with ME/CFS. Participants used a self-guided approach to slowly increase their activity levels under professional guidance. The research was published in the prestigious Lancet journal, indicating rigorous scientific testing.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Wholistic Hybrid Derived From Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Emotional Freedom Technique (WHEE) for Self-Treatment of Pain, Depression, and Anxiety in Chronic Pain Patients.

Benor, Daniel, Rossiter-Thornton, John, Toussaint, Loren·Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine·2017

This small pilot study tested whether a self-help technique called WHEE (combining eye movements with tapping) could help people with chronic pain, depression, and anxiety. Twenty-four patients with chronic pain conditions (including 17 with ME/CFS or fibromyalgia) were split into two groups: one received WHEE treatment for 6 weeks while the other waited. The WHEE group showed improvements in anxiety and depression compared to those who waited, and when the waiting group later tried WHEE, they also experienced less pain and depression.

Pain and Sensitization

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM requiredObservational

Telephone-administered versus live group cognitive behavioral stress management for adults with CFS.

Hall, Daniel L, Lattie, Emily G, Milrad, Sara F et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2017

This study tested whether teaching stress management skills over the telephone worked as well as learning them in a live group setting for people with ME/CFS. Both formats helped reduce stress, but only the in-person group also improved physical symptoms like post-exertional malaise, chills, fever, and sleep quality. This suggests that meeting face-to-face may have extra benefits beyond just learning the techniques themselves.

Post-Exertional Malaise

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

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 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.

BiomarkersEnergy Metabolism

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 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

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[Efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding combined with ginger-partitioned moxibustion on chronic fatigue syndrome of spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome and its effects on T lymphocyte subsets and activity of NK cell].

Muscle injections with lidocaine improve resting fatigue and pain in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Adiponectin Potentially Contributes to the Antidepressive Effects of Baduanjin Qigong Exercise in Women With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Like Illness.

Imipramine versus placebo for multiple functional somatic syndromes (STreSS-3): a double-blind, randomised study.

Cytokine Inhibition in Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Randomized Trial.

Chronic fatigue syndrome treated by the traditional Chinese procedure abdominal tuina: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Long-term economic evaluation of cognitive-behavioural group treatment versus enhanced usual care for functional somatic syndromes.

Economic evaluation of multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment versus cognitive behavioural therapy for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.

Guided graded exercise self-help plus specialist medical care versus specialist medical care alone for chronic fatigue syndrome (GETSET): a pragmatic randomised controlled trial.

Intermittent and graded exercise effects on NK cell degranulation markers LAMP-1/LAMP-2 and CD8+CD38+ in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

[Chronic fatigue syndrome treated with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation: a randomized controlled trial].

Guided graded exercise self-help as a treatment of fatigue in chronic fatigue syndrome.

A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Wholistic Hybrid Derived From Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Emotional Freedom Technique (WHEE) for Self-Treatment of Pain, Depression, and Anxiety in Chronic Pain Patients.

Telephone-administered versus live group cognitive behavioral stress management for adults with CFS.

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

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

Metabolic features of chronic fatigue syndrome

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.

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

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