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. 2009 Nov;77(2):237-41.
doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2009.02.015. Epub 2009 Apr 8.

The impact of energy modulation on physical functioning and fatigue severity among patients with ME/CFS

Leonard Jason  1 , Mary Benton, Susan Torres-Harding, Kathleen Muldowney
Affiliations

The impact of energy modulation on physical functioning and fatigue severity among patients with ME/CFS

Leonard Jason et al. Patient Educ Couns. 2009 Nov.

Abstract

Objective: The energy envelope postulates that patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) will improve functioning when maintaining expended energy levels at the same level as available energy level.

Methods: Estimated weekly Energy Quotients were established by dividing expended energy level by perceived energy level and multiplying by 100. Two groups of patients were identified following participation in a non-pharmacologic intervention trial. Some were able to keep expended energy close to available energy and others were not successful at this task.

Results: Those who were able to stay within their energy envelope had significant improvements in physical functioning and fatigue severity.

Conclusion: Findings suggest that helping patients with ME/CFS maintain appropriate energy expenditures in coordination with available energy reserves can help improve functioning over time.

Practice implications: Health care professionals that treat patients with ME/CFS might incorporate strategies that help patients self-monitor and self-regulate energy expenditures.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Physical Functioning Scores over Time
Figure 2
Figure 2
Fatigue Severity Scores over Time
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

References

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