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

Abstract

The evaluated self-management program did not have any sustained effect, as compared with receiving usual care.

Fatigue self-management led by occupational therapists and/or physiotherapists for chronic conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…This led to the following six categories: 12 exercise programmes, 39 , 44 , 49 , 54 , 60 , 61 , 65 , 67 , 69 , 71 – 73 10 energy conservation programmes (ECPs), 2 , 46 – 48 , 51 – 53 , 57 , 58 , 62 seven multimodal programmes, 40 , 55 , 59 , 66 , 68 , 70 , 74 three activity pacing programmes; 41 , 44 , 75 three cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) programmes; 45 , 63 , 64 and three comprehensive fatigue management programmes. 42 , 50 , 56 Although some overlapping comprehensive fatigue management and energy conservation content was found, we decided to differentiate them because comprehensive fatigue management includes broader topics, including the importance of exercise, 42 , 50 stress management, 56 and sleep hygiene. 42 , 56 Multimodal programmes combine specific types of interventions, such as an exercise programme combined with a CBT programme, but are not considered comprehensive.…”

“… 42 , 50 , 56 Although some overlapping comprehensive fatigue management and energy conservation content was found, we decided to differentiate them because comprehensive fatigue management includes broader topics, including the importance of exercise, 42 , 50 stress management, 56 and sleep hygiene. 42 , 56 Multimodal programmes combine specific types of interventions, such as an exercise programme combined with a CBT programme, but are not considered comprehensive. Among 36 trials, 15 were developed or delivered by PTs, 17 by OTs, and 4 studies by both OTs and PTs.…”

“…76 Lally et al 80 reported that it took a median time of 66 days to form a health-related habit (range: 18–254 days), which implies habit formation is a lengthy process. In our review, only one study 42 conducted a 1-year follow-up evaluation; other follow-up intervals varied from 8 weeks to 6 months. This may suggest that longer follow-up times are necessary to evaluate the true impact of fatigue self-management programmes.…”

“…Comprehensive fatigue management programmes consisted of various topics, including possible causes of fatigue, 42,50,56 its impacts on life, 42,50,56 communications and relationships with others, 42,50,56 body mechanics, 42,50,56 daily activity analysis, 42,50,56 balanced lifestyle, 42,50,56 importance of exercise, 42,50 stress management, 56 and sleep hygiene. 42,56 All programmes were delivered in person, lasted from 6 to 8 weeks, and typically occurred weekly for 1-3 hours. 77,78 COPM was also adequately different from other measures, indicating good discriminant validity.…”

“…A total of 3109 participants were included from 36 primary trials. The chronic conditions varied, including chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS; n = 1190), [39][40][41][42][43][44][45] MS (n = 1128), 2,46-59 rheumatoid arthritis (RA; n = 611), [60][61][62][63][64] cancer (n = 502), [65][66][67][68][69] stroke (n = 83), 70 type 2 diabetes with obesity (n = 80), 71 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 65), 72 facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (n = 57), 73 neuromuscular disease (n = 53), 74 osteoarthritis (OA; n = 32), 75 post-polio syndrome (n = 13), 2 and Parkinson's disease (n = 8). 2 More detailed characteristics of the study participants, including age, disease, and duration, are provided in Supplementary Table 2.…”