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. 2011 Mar;67(3):253-60.
doi: 10.1002/jclp.20744. Epub 2010 Oct 25.

The role of changes in activity as a function of perceived available and expended energy in nonpharmacological treatment outcomes for ME/CFS

Molly Brown  1 , Neha Khorana, Leonard A Jason
Affiliations

The role of changes in activity as a function of perceived available and expended energy in nonpharmacological treatment outcomes for ME/CFS

Molly Brown et al. J Clin Psychol. 2011 Mar.

Abstract

Nonpharmacological interventions for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) often emphasize gradual increases in activity to promote improvement in physical functioning and fatigue. The energy envelope theory may provide a framework for understanding the relationship between changes in activity level and outcomes for patients with ME/CFS. This study examined the relationship between energy envelope and changes in activity after nonpharmacological interventions in a sample of 44 adults with ME/CFS. Results showed that those who were within their energy envelope before treatment showed more improvement in physical functioning and fatigue compared with those outside of their energy envelope. These findings suggest that an assessment of perceived available and expended energy could help guide the development of individualized nonpharmacological interventions for people with ME/CFS.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Fatigue Severity Scale Means for Pairwise Groups
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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