ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

821–840 of 6,157 studies

Homeopathy for mental fatigue: lessons from a randomized, triple blind, placebo-controlled cross-over clinical trial.

Dean, Michael Emmans, Karsandas, Raj, Bland, J Martin et al.·BMC complementary and alternative medicine·2012

This study tested whether a homeopathic remedy called Kali phos 6x could help people with mental fatigue focus better. Eighty-six university students and staff took either the remedy or a placebo, then did a concentration test. The remedy did not work better than placebo, and the researchers found that the test was too easy for most participants to show whether the remedy made a real difference.

Cognitive Impairment

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

A randomized controlled trial of qigong exercise on fatigue symptoms, functioning, and telomerase activity in persons with chronic fatigue or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Ho, Rainbow T H, Chan, Jessie S M, Wang, Chong-Wen et al.·Annals of behavioral medicine : a publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine·2012

This study tested whether qigong, a gentle Chinese exercise and breathing practice, could help people with chronic fatigue or ME/CFS. Sixty-four participants either did 4 months of qigong classes or waited on a list without treatment. People who did qigong reported feeling less tired and had better mood and mental function compared to those who waited, and their cells showed signs of increased telomerase activity, which may relate to cellular health.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioural treatment for adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome (FITNET): a randomised controlled trial.

Nijhof, Sanne L, Bleijenberg, Gijs, Uiterwaal, Cuno S P M et al.·Lancet (London, England)·2012

Researchers tested an internet-based program called FITNET designed specifically for teenagers with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Compared to standard care alone, teenagers who used FITNET showed much better outcomes at 6 months: 75% returned to full school attendance (versus only 16% in usual care), 85% had less severe fatigue (versus 27%), and 78% reported normal physical functioning (versus 20%). No serious side effects were reported.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Adaptive pacing, cognitive behaviour therapy, graded exercise, and specialist medical care for chronic fatigue syndrome: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

McCrone, Paul, Sharpe, Michael, Chalder, Trudie et al.·PloS one·2012

This study compared the cost and benefit of four different treatments for ME/CFS: specialist medical care alone, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), graded exercise therapy (GET), and adaptive pacing therapy (APT). Researchers found that CBT was the most cost-effective option, meaning it provided good health improvements relative to its cost, while APT was the least cost-effective. The study looked at both healthcare costs and broader societal costs like lost work time.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearRCT

Cognitive behaviour therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome in adults: face to face versus telephone treatment: a randomized controlled trial.

Burgess, Mary, Andiappan, Manoharan, Chalder, Trudie·Behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy·2012

This study tested whether cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) delivered over the telephone works as well as face-to-face CBT for ME/CFS. Patients received either telephone sessions or in-person sessions, plus two face-to-face appointments for assessment and discharge. Both groups improved significantly in fatigue and physical functioning, and these improvements lasted for a year after treatment ended.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Mindfulness and bodily distress.

Fjorback, Lone Overby·Danish medical journal·2012

This study tested whether mindfulness training (a mental technique focused on present-moment awareness) could help people with bodily distress syndrome—a condition with persistent physical symptoms that doctors cannot fully explain, which includes ME/CFS and fibromyalgia. Researchers compared mindfulness training combined with cognitive therapy to specialized medical treatment in 119 patients. Both treatments helped, but mindfulness therapy showed faster improvements and fewer patients needed disability pensions.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearRCT

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial of the TLR-3 agonist rintatolimod in severe cases of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Strayer, David R, Carter, William A, Stouch, Bruce C et al.·PloS one·2012

This study tested whether a drug called rintatolimod (a molecule designed to activate immune responses) could help people with severe ME/CFS. Over 230 patients received either the drug or a placebo twice a week for 40 weeks. Patients who received rintatolimod improved their exercise tolerance by about 21%, and they also needed fewer medications to manage their symptoms.

Interventions

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearRCT

The effect of homework compliance on treatment outcomes for participants with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Hlavaty, Laura E, Brown, Molly M, Jason, Leonard A·Rehabilitation psychology·2011

This study looked at whether doing homework assignments as part of treatment for ME/CFS made a difference in how much patients improved. Researchers found that patients who completed most of their homework assignments (75% or more) showed better improvements in mental health, social life, and daily activities compared to those who did less homework. However, the homework didn't significantly improve physical symptoms or fatigue levels, suggesting that other types of treatment may be needed to address these core ME/CFS symptoms.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Effects of a gliadin-combined plant superoxide dismutase extract on self-perceived fatigue in women aged 50-65 years.

Houghton, C A, Steels, E L, Fassett, R G et al.·Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology·2011

Researchers tested whether a supplement containing an antioxidant enzyme called SOD could reduce fatigue in women aged 50-65 years over 12 weeks. The supplement did not reduce fatigue more than placebo, and blood tests showed no meaningful differences in oxidative stress markers or antioxidant levels between the treatment and placebo groups.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Socialization to the model: the active component in the therapeutic alliance? A preliminary study.

Daniels, Jo, Wearden, Alison J·Behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy·2011

This study looked at what helps build a good working relationship between ME/CFS patients and their therapists during treatment. Researchers found that when patients and therapists agreed on what the treatment goals were, the therapy relationship was stronger and patients were more cooperative. Understanding these factors may help improve how well therapy works for ME/CFS.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Comparison of adaptive pacing therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, graded exercise therapy, and specialist medical care for chronic fatigue syndrome (PACE): a randomised trial.

White, P D, Goldsmith, K A, Johnson, A L et al.·Lancet (London, England)·2011

This study compared four treatment approaches for ME/CFS: specialist medical care alone, specialist medical care plus adaptive pacing therapy (APT), cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), or graded exercise therapy (GET). The researchers found that CBT and GET, when added to standard medical care, helped reduce fatigue and improve physical function over 52 weeks. Adaptive pacing therapy did not show additional benefits compared to medical care alone. All treatments were considered safe based on the serious adverse events recorded.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Amisulpride vs. fluoxetine treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome: a pilot study.

Pardini, Matteo, Guida, Silvia, Primavera, Alberto et al.·European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology·2011

This study tested two medications in 40 ME/CFS patients without depression: amisulpride (a low-dose psychiatric medication) and fluoxetine (an antidepressant). After 12 weeks, patients taking amisulpride reported feeling less fatigued and had fewer body aches, while those taking fluoxetine saw little improvement. Both medications were well-tolerated, suggesting amisulpride might be worth exploring further as a treatment option.

Interventions

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

[Observation on therapeutic effect of acupuncture of Back-shu acupoints for chronic fatigue syndrome patients].

Zhang, Wei, Liu, Zhi-Shun, Xu, Hai-Rong et al.·Zhen ci yan jiu = Acupuncture research·2011

This study tested whether acupuncture at specific points on the back could help people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Researchers treated 120 patients with either real acupuncture at traditional healing points or fake acupuncture at non-therapeutic locations. Both groups showed some improvement in fatigue and quality of life, but the real acupuncture group had better results and higher satisfaction after 4 weeks and 3 months.

Interventions

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Self-investigation in adolescent chronic fatigue syndrome: narrative changes and health improvement.

van Geelen, Stefan M, Fuchs, Coralie E, Sinnema, Gerben et al.·Patient education and counseling·2011

This study tested whether talking through your life story and personal experiences with a trained counselor could help teenagers with ME/CFS feel better. Forty-two teenagers with ME/CFS attended either 6 or 12 counseling sessions, and researchers measured their fatigue and quality of life before, after, and 10 months later. Teenagers who completed the program reported less fatigue and better physical and emotional wellbeing, with those who attended more sessions improving the most.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

A pilot study of cognitive behavioral stress management effects on stress, quality of life, and symptoms in persons with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Lopez, Corina, Antoni, Michael, Penedo, Frank et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2011

This study tested whether a 12-week stress management program could help people with ME/CFS feel better. Participants either attended cognitive behavioral stress management classes or educational seminars. People in the stress management program reported less stress, better mood, improved quality of life, and reduced symptom severity compared to those in the educational group.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Health-related quality of life in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: group cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise versus usual treatment. A randomised controlled trial with 1 year of follow-up.

Núñez, Montserrat, Fernández-Solà, Joaquim, Nuñez, Esther et al.·Clinical rheumatology·2011

This study tested whether a combination of talk therapy (cognitive behavioural therapy), supervised exercise, and medication helped ME/CFS patients more than standard care alone. After 1 year, the combination treatment did not improve quality of life more than usual care, and patients in the treatment group actually reported worse physical function and pain scores. The researchers concluded that exercise-based treatments may need to be tailored to each individual patient.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Does a decrease in avoidance behavior and focusing on fatigue mediate the effect of cognitive behavior therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome?

Wiborg, Jan F, Knoop, Hans, Prins, Judith B et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2011

This study looked at why cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) helps reduce fatigue in ME/CFS patients. Researchers found that the main reason CBT works is because it helps people stop focusing so much on their fatigue symptoms. Interestingly, avoiding activities or uncomfortable situations didn't change much during treatment, suggesting that reducing mental focus on fatigue—rather than doing more activities—may be the key to improvement.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Effects of an educational video film in fatigued children and adolescents: a randomised controlled trial.

Bakker, Rob J, van de Putte, Elise M, Kuis, Wietse et al.·Archives of disease in childhood·2011

Researchers tested whether showing a video about ME/CFS and coping strategies to tired children and teenagers would help prevent long-term fatigue and school absence. Instead of helping, the video group actually did worse—they had less motivation and were more likely to develop persistent fatigue with significant school absences compared to the group that received usual care alone.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Pain physiology education improves pain beliefs in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome compared with pacing and self-management education: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Meeus, Mira, Nijs, Jo, Van Oosterwijck, Jessica et al.·Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation·2010

This study tested whether learning about how pain works in the nervous system could help people with ME/CFS who experience widespread pain. Researchers compared 48 patients who received either a 30-minute pain education session or standard pacing/self-management education. The group that learned about pain physiology showed better understanding of their pain and less worry and rumination about it right after the session.

Pain and Sensitization

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Graduated exercise training and progressive resistance training in adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled pilot study.

Gordon, Brett A, Knapman, Leona M, Lubitz, Lionel·Clinical rehabilitation·2010

This study compared two types of exercise training—aerobic exercise (like cycling and treadmill walking) and resistance training (strength exercises)—in 22 teenagers with ME/CFS. Both groups exercised five days a week for four weeks. Both types of exercise led to improvements in how much activity the teens could do and their quality of life, though only aerobic training reduced fatigue severity and depression symptoms.

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Homeopathy for mental fatigue: lessons from a randomized, triple blind, placebo-controlled cross-over clinical trial.

A randomized controlled trial of qigong exercise on fatigue symptoms, functioning, and telomerase activity in persons with chronic fatigue or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioural treatment for adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome (FITNET): a randomised controlled trial.

Adaptive pacing, cognitive behaviour therapy, graded exercise, and specialist medical care for chronic fatigue syndrome: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Cognitive behaviour therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome in adults: face to face versus telephone treatment: a randomized controlled trial.

Mindfulness and bodily distress.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial of the TLR-3 agonist rintatolimod in severe cases of chronic fatigue syndrome.

The effect of homework compliance on treatment outcomes for participants with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Effects of a gliadin-combined plant superoxide dismutase extract on self-perceived fatigue in women aged 50-65 years.

Socialization to the model: the active component in the therapeutic alliance? A preliminary study.

Comparison of adaptive pacing therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, graded exercise therapy, and specialist medical care for chronic fatigue syndrome (PACE): a randomised trial.

Amisulpride vs. fluoxetine treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome: a pilot study.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of acupuncture of Back-shu acupoints for chronic fatigue syndrome patients].

Self-investigation in adolescent chronic fatigue syndrome: narrative changes and health improvement.

A pilot study of cognitive behavioral stress management effects on stress, quality of life, and symptoms in persons with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Health-related quality of life in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: group cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise versus usual treatment. A randomised controlled trial with 1 year of follow-up.

Does a decrease in avoidance behavior and focusing on fatigue mediate the effect of cognitive behavior therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome?

Effects of an educational video film in fatigued children and adolescents: a randomised controlled trial.

Pain physiology education improves pain beliefs in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome compared with pacing and self-management education: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Graduated exercise training and progressive resistance training in adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled pilot study.

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