ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

841–860 of 6,187 studies

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

[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

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

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

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

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

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

Effectiveness of stepped care for chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized noninferiority trial.

Tummers, Marcia, Knoop, Hans, Bleijenberg, Gijs·Journal of consulting and clinical psychology·2010

This study tested whether a two-step treatment approach for ME/CFS works as well as standard cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Patients either received guided self-help materials first, with the option of CBT later, or waited before receiving CBT. Both groups improved similarly in fatigue and ability to function, but the stepped approach required significantly less therapist time overall.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

[Effect of Tuina on oxygen free radicals metabolism in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome].

Liu, Chang-Zheng, Lei, Bo·Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion·2010

This study tested whether a traditional Chinese massage technique called Tuina could help people with chronic fatigue syndrome by reducing harmful molecules in the body called free radicals. Ninety patients received either Tuina massage, tai chi exercise, or the antidepressant fluoxetine for one month. Tuina was more effective than the other two treatments, with 93% of patients improving, and it appeared to boost the body's natural defense systems against free radical damage.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Provision of social support to individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Jason, Leonard A, Roesner, Nicole, Porter, Nicole et al.·Journal of clinical psychology·2010

This study tested whether having a student volunteer visit weekly to help with household tasks and errands could improve symptoms in people with ME/CFS. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 4 months of buddy support or no intervention. People who received the buddy help reported significantly less fatigue and more energy than those who didn't, though there were no differences in physical functioning or stress levels.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Family-focused cognitive behaviour therapy versus psycho-education for chronic fatigue syndrome in 11- to 18-year-olds: a randomized controlled treatment trial.

Chalder, T, Deary, V, Husain, K et al.·Psychological medicine·2010

This study compared two types of support for teenagers with ME/CFS: family-focused cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and psycho-education (learning about the condition). Both groups improved over time, but teenagers receiving CBT returned to school faster in the first few months. However, by 6–12 months later, both groups were attending school similarly, suggesting that psycho-education alone may be just as helpful in the long run.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

[Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome].

Alegre, J, Rosés, J M, Javierre, C et al.·Revista clinica espanola·2010

Researchers tested whether a supplement called NADH could help people with ME/CFS feel less fatigued and perform better. In this 3-month study, some patients received 20mg of NADH daily while others received a placebo (inactive pill), and neither group knew which they were getting. The NADH group showed modest improvements in anxiety and heart rate response to stress, but did not improve fatigue, daily functioning, sleep, or overall quality of life compared to placebo.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

[Randomized controlled study on acupuncture treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome].

Chen, Xing-Hua, Li, Lu-Qian, Zhang, Wen et al.·Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion·2010

This study tested whether acupuncture could help people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) feel less tired. Ninety patients were divided into two groups: one received acupuncture at specific points on the head and neck, while the other received glucose and herbal injections. Both treatments reduced fatigue, but acupuncture worked better than the injection treatment.

Interventions

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

The effect of ondansetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, in chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

The, Gerard K H, Bleijenberg, Gijs, Buitelaar, Jan K et al.·The Journal of clinical psychiatry·2010

This study tested whether a medication called ondansetron, which affects serotonin signaling in the brain, could help reduce fatigue and improve daily functioning in people with ME/CFS. Sixty-seven patients took either ondansetron or a placebo pill for 10 weeks, and researchers measured changes in fatigue severity and ability to perform daily activities. The study found that ondansetron was no more helpful than placebo in reducing fatigue or improving function.

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.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

How does cognitive behaviour therapy reduce fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome? The role of physical activity.

Wiborg, J F, Knoop, H, Stulemeijer, M et al.·Psychological medicine·2010

This study looked at whether cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) helps ME/CFS patients feel less tired by making them more physically active. Researchers tracked physical activity levels in three separate CBT trials using movement monitors (actigraphy) before and after treatment. Surprisingly, they found that while CBT did reduce fatigue, patients were not actually moving more after treatment—and the small amount of increased activity that did occur wasn't connected to feeling less tired.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Home orthostatic training in chronic fatigue syndrome--a randomized, placebo-controlled feasibility study.

Sutcliffe, K, Gray, J, Tan, M P et al.·European journal of clinical investigation·2010

Some ME/CFS patients experience sudden drops in blood pressure when standing up, which may worsen fatigue. This study tested whether daily tilting exercises done at home could help stabilize blood pressure and improve symptoms. Over 6 months, patients who did the tilting exercises showed slightly better blood pressure control compared to those doing fake exercises, though fatigue improvements were modest.

Autonomic Nervous System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

High cocoa polyphenol rich chocolate may reduce the burden of the symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Sathyapalan, Thozhukat, Beckett, Stephen, Rigby, Alan S et al.·Nutrition journal·2010

This small study tested whether chocolate rich in cocoa and natural plant compounds (polyphenols) could help reduce fatigue and improve function in people with ME/CFS. Ten people with severe fatigue took turns eating high-polyphenol chocolate for 8 weeks, then a placebo chocolate for 8 weeks (with a break in between). The high-polyphenol chocolate improved fatigue scores and daily functioning, while the placebo chocolate made symptoms worse.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredProtocol

Multi-centre parallel arm randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a group-based cognitive behavioural approach to managing fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis.

Thomas, Peter W, Thomas, Sarah, Kersten, Paula et al.·BMC neurology·2010

This study tested whether a group-based program combining cognitive behavioral therapy and energy management techniques could help people with multiple sclerosis reduce fatigue and improve daily functioning. Researchers randomly assigned 180 people with MS and significant fatigue to either receive the new 6-session program or continue with their usual care, then tracked their fatigue levels and quality of life over one year.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Nurse led, home based self help treatment for patients in primary care with chronic fatigue syndrome: randomised controlled trial.

Wearden, Alison J, Dowrick, Christopher, Chew-Graham, Carolyn et al.·BMJ (Clinical research ed.)·2010

This study tested whether two nurse-led home treatments could help ME/CFS patients in primary care: one program that gradually increased activity over time, and one that offered supportive listening. The activity program improved fatigue symptoms in the short term (20 weeks) compared to standard care, but this benefit faded by one year. The supportive listening approach did not help and may have worsened physical functioning.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Effectiveness of stepped care for chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized noninferiority trial.

[Effect of Tuina on oxygen free radicals metabolism in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome].

Provision of social support to individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Family-focused cognitive behaviour therapy versus psycho-education for chronic fatigue syndrome in 11- to 18-year-olds: a randomized controlled treatment trial.

[Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome].

[Randomized controlled study on acupuncture treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome].

The effect of ondansetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, in chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

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

How does cognitive behaviour therapy reduce fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome? The role of physical activity.

Home orthostatic training in chronic fatigue syndrome--a randomized, placebo-controlled feasibility study.

High cocoa polyphenol rich chocolate may reduce the burden of the symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Multi-centre parallel arm randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a group-based cognitive behavioural approach to managing fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis.

Nurse led, home based self help treatment for patients in primary care with chronic fatigue syndrome: randomised controlled trial.

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