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Sanal-Hayes NEM, Mclaughlin M, Hayes LD, Mair JL, Ormerod J, Carless D, Hilliard N, Meach R, Ingram J, Sculthorpe NF. A scoping review of 'Pacing' for management of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): lessons learned for the long COVID pandemic. J Transl Med 2023; 21:720. [PMID: 37838675 PMCID: PMC10576275 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04587-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controversy over treatment for people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a barrier to appropriate treatment. Energy management or pacing is a prominent coping strategy for people with ME/CFS. Whilst a definitive definition of pacing is not unanimous within the literature or healthcare providers, it typically comprises regulating activity to avoid post exertional malaise (PEM), the worsening of symptoms after an activity. Until now, characteristics of pacing, and the effects on patients' symptoms had not been systematically reviewed. This is problematic as the most common approach to pacing, pacing prescription, and the pooled efficacy of pacing was unknown. Collating evidence may help advise those suffering with similar symptoms, including long COVID, as practitioners would be better informed on methodological approaches to adopt, pacing implementation, and expected outcomes. OBJECTIVES In this scoping review of the literature, we aggregated type of, and outcomes of, pacing in people with ME/CFS. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Original investigations concerning pacing were considered in participants with ME/CFS. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE Six electronic databases (PubMed, Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [CENTRAL]) were searched; and websites MEPedia, Action for ME, and ME Action were also searched for grey literature, to fully capture patient surveys not published in academic journals. METHODS A scoping review was conducted. Review selection and characterisation was performed by two independent reviewers using pretested forms. RESULTS Authors reviewed 177 titles and abstracts, resulting in 17 included studies: three randomised control trials (RCTs); one uncontrolled trial; one interventional case series; one retrospective observational study; two prospective observational studies; four cross-sectional observational studies; and five cross-sectional analytical studies. Studies included variable designs, durations, and outcome measures. In terms of pacing administration, studies used educational sessions and diaries for activity monitoring. Eleven studies reported benefits of pacing, four studies reported no effect, and two studies reported a detrimental effect in comparison to the control group. CONCLUSIONS Highly variable study designs and outcome measures, allied to poor to fair methodological quality resulted in heterogenous findings and highlights the requirement for more research examining pacing. Looking to the long COVID pandemic, our results suggest future studies should be RCTs utilising objectively quantified digitised pacing, over a longer duration of examination (i.e. longitudinal studies), using the core outcome set for patient reported outcome measures. Until these are completed, the literature base is insufficient to inform treatment practises for people with ME/CFS and long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilihan E M Sanal-Hayes
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, UK
- School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Salford, UK
| | - Marie Mclaughlin
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, UK
- School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Lawrence D Hayes
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jacqueline L Mair
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore.
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Jane Ormerod
- Long COVID Scotland, 12 Kemnay Place, Aberdeen, UK
| | - David Carless
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Rachel Meach
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Joanne Ingram
- School of Education and Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nicholas F Sculthorpe
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, UK
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Converging Evidence of Similar Symptomatology of ME/CFS and PASC Indicating Multisystemic Dyshomeostasis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010180. [PMID: 36672687 PMCID: PMC9855891 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to review the evidence of similar symptomatology of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). Reanalysis of data from a study by Jason comparing symptom reports from two groups of ME/CFS and PASC patients shows a notably similar symptomatology. Symptom scores of the PASC group and the ME/CFS group correlated 0.902 (p < 0.0001) across items. The hypothesis is presented that ME/CFS and PASC are caused by a chronic state of multisystemic disequilibrium including endocrinological, immunological, and/or metabolic changes. The hypothesis holds that a changed set point persistently pushes the organism towards a pathological dysfunctional state which fails to reset. To use an analogy of a thermostat, if the ‘off switch’ of a thermostat intermittently stops working, for periods the house would become warmer and warmer without limit. The hypothesis draws on recent investigations of the Central Homeostasis Network showing multiple interconnections between the autonomic system, central nervous system, and brain stem. The hypothesis helps to explain the shared symptomatology of ME/CFS and PASC and the unpredictable, intermittent, and fluctuating pattern of symptoms of ME/CFS and PASC. The current theoretical approach remains speculative and requires in-depth investigation before any definite conclusions can be drawn.
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O'Boyle S, Nacul L, Nacul FE, Mudie K, Kingdon CC, Cliff JM, Clark TG, Dockrell HM, Lacerda EM. A Natural History of Disease Framework for Improving the Prevention, Management, and Research on Post-viral Fatigue Syndrome and Other Forms of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:688159. [PMID: 35155455 PMCID: PMC8835111 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.688159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We propose a framework for the treatment, rehabilitation, and research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) using a natural history of disease approach to outline the distinct disease stages, with an emphasis on cases following infection to provide insights into prevention. Moving away from the method of subtyping patients based on the various phenotypic presentations and instead reframing along the lines of disease progression could help with defining the distinct stages of disease, each of which would benefit from large prospective cohort studies to accurately describe the pathological mechanisms taking place therein. With a better understanding of these mechanisms, management and research can be tailored specifically for each disease stage. Pre-disease and early disease stages call for management strategies that may decrease the risk of long-term morbidity, by focusing on avoidance of further insults, adequate rest to enable recovery, and pacing of activities. Later disease stages require a more holistic and tailored management approach, with treatment-as this becomes available-targeting the alleviation of symptoms and multi-systemic dysfunction. More stringent and standardised use of case definitions in research is critical to improve generalisability of results and to create the strong evidence-based policies for management that are currently lacking in ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shennae O'Boyle
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luis Nacul
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- B.C. Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Flavio E. Nacul
- Pro-cardiaco Hospital and Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kathleen Mudie
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline C. Kingdon
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline M. Cliff
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Taane G. Clark
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hazel M. Dockrell
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eliana M. Lacerda
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Fine JS, Ambrose AF, Didehbani N, Fleming TK, Glashan L, Longo M, Merlino A, Ng R, Nora G, Rolin S, Silver JK, Terzic CM, Verduzco Gutierrez M, Sampsel S. Multi-Disciplinary Collaborative Consensus Guidance Statement on the Assessment and Treatment of Cognitive Symptoms in Patients with Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). PM R 2021; 14:96-111. [PMID: 34902226 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.12745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Talya K Fleming
- JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute at Hackensack Meridian Health
| | | | | | | | - Rowena Ng
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | | | - Summer Rolin
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio- Rehabilitation Medicine
| | - Julie K Silver
- Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
| | - Carmen M Terzic
- Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic Rochester
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Sibande ZN, Roomaney R. Fatigue-management strategies among women with endometriosis in South Africa: a qualitative study. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/00812463211020173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Fatigue is a common, secondary symptom of endometriosis that has not been qualitatively explored. We conducted individual, face-to-face interviews with 25 women in South Africa about their experiences of endometriosis-related fatigue. Participants were recruited at a public hospital in Cape Town and through several South African endometriosis organizations. Interviews were conducted in English and Afrikaans and ranged from 30 min to 1 hr 16 min in duration. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. We found that both the experience of fatigue and fatigue-management strategies were highly personalized. Participants reported using a variety of cognitive strategies, such as planning, pacing, and pushing through their fatigue to reduce the levels of fatigue. Participants also employed physical strategies such as rest, dietary changes, using supplements, and exercise. We found that while participants often tried fatigue-management strategies suggested to them by others, they struggled to maintain these strategies even when they were successful. There are currently no interventions aimed at reducing endometriosis-related fatigue. The findings of this study provide insight into the management of fatigue in women with endometriosis and may be used to develop a psychosocial intervention for fatigue among women with the disease.
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Wright A, Fisher PL, Baker N, O'Rourke L, Cherry MG. Perfectionism, depression and anxiety in chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review. J Psychosom Res 2021; 140:110322. [PMID: 33278659 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.110322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE High levels of depression and anxiety are experienced alongside Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). Psychological causal and maintenance factors are not well-understood. Perfectionism is a multifactorial, transdiagnostic risk factor for various physical and mental health conditions. This systematic review assesses the association between perfectionism and depression and/or anxiety in people with CFS/ME. METHOD Systematic literature searches used a combination of terms for 'perfectionism', 'depression', 'anxiety' and 'CFS/ME'. Peer-reviewed English-language papers reporting quantitative data regarding the relationship between perfectionism and depression and/or anxiety in adults (aged 18-65 years) with a clinical diagnosis of CFS/ME were included. Screening, selection and assessment of risk of bias was completed independently by two authors. Bivariate and multivariate associations between perfectionism and anxiety and depression were extracted. Data were synthesised narratively. RESULTS Seven studies, reported in eight papers, were included. Seven examined the relationship between perfectionism and depression. Moderate-strong significant positive associations were found between depression and maladaptive perfectionism (r = 0.42 to .48, p < .01), and its component factors of concern over mistakes (r = 0.40 to .60, p < .01) and doubts about actions (r = 0.51 to .60, p < .01). Methodological limitations included sample size justification and selection, psychometric measures, and control of potential confounders. CONCLUSION Maladaptive perfectionism is consistently associated with depression in patients with CFS/ME. The relationship between perfectionism and anxiety is under-researched. Corroboration is required from longitudinal, cross-cultural studies. Clinical understanding may be increased through examining the interplay between maladaptive perfectionism, depression and anxiety and the physical and cognitive symptoms of CFS/ME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Wright
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Whelan Building, Quadrangle, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L69 3GB, UK
| | - Peter L Fisher
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Whelan Building, Quadrangle, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L69 3GB, UK; Clinical Health Psychology Service, Linda McCartney Centre, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK
| | - Nita Baker
- Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Physical Health Psychology Department, Tamworth, UK
| | - Louise O'Rourke
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Whelan Building, Quadrangle, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L69 3GB, UK
| | - Mary Gemma Cherry
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Whelan Building, Quadrangle, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L69 3GB, UK; Clinical Health Psychology Service, Linda McCartney Centre, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK.
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Mengshoel AM, Helland IB, Meeus M, Castro-Marrero J, Pheby D, Bolle Strand E. Patients' experiences and effects of non-pharmacological treatment for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome - a scoping mixed methods review. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2020; 15:1764830. [PMID: 32432991 PMCID: PMC7782327 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2020.1764830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The EU COST Action 15111 collaboration on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) aims to assess current research and identify knowledge gaps in Europe. Presently, our purpose is to map the effects of non-pharmacological therapies (NPTs) for ME/CFS, and what patients find important in the treatment process. METHODS A scoping mixed methods literature review of European studies identified 16 papers fulfiling our inclusion criteria. The quantitative and qualitative studies were synthesized separately in tables. Additionally, extracts from the qualitative studies were subjected to translational analysis. RESULTS Effect studies addressed cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT, n = 4), multimodal rehabilitation (n = 2) and activity-pacing (n = 2). CBT reduced fatigue scores more than usual care or waiting list controls. The effects of rehabilitation and activity-pacing were inconsistent. The contents, assessment methods and effects of rehabilitation and activity pacing studies varied. For patients, health professionals' recognition of ME/CFS and support were crucial, but they expressed ambiguous experiences of what the NPTs entail. CONCLUSIONS Methodological differences make comparisons across NPTs impossible, and from a patient perspective the relevance of the specific contents of NPTs are unclear. Future well-designed studies should focus on developing NPTs tailored to patients' concerns and evaluation tools reflecting what is essential for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Marit Mengshoel
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Bergliot Helland
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on CFS/ME, Division of Pediatrics and Adolescents, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mira Meeus
- Research Group MOVANT, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Pain in Motion, International Research Group
| | - Jesus Castro-Marrero
- CFS/ME Unit, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Derek Pheby
- Society and Health, Buckinghamshire New University, High Wycombe, UK
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O'connor K, Sunnquist M, Nicholson L, Jason LA, Newton JL, Strand EB. Energy envelope maintenance among patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome: Implications of limited energy reserves. Chronic Illn 2019; 15:51-60. [PMID: 29231037 PMCID: PMC5750135 DOI: 10.1177/1742395317746470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Energy Envelope Theory of myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome postulates that individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome may experience some increase in functioning if their level of exertion consistently remains within the limits of their available energy. Findings of several studies support this theory; however, the current study is the first to explore how an individual's initial level of available energy may influence the relation between energy envelope maintenance and level of functioning. METHOD The functioning, activity, and symptomatology of six groups of individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome were compared. Groups were created based upon level of available energy (higher or lower) and energy envelope adherence (underextended, within, overextended). RESULTS Results indicate that, as expected, individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome who had higher available energy also had better functioning than individuals with lower available energy; however, this relation was less pronounced for individuals who were overexerting themselves. DISCUSSION These results are consistent with the Energy Envelope Theory, and they suggest that overexertion was particularly impactful for individuals with higher levels of available energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly O'connor
- 1 Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Madison Sunnquist
- 1 Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Laura Nicholson
- 1 Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Leonard A Jason
- 1 Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
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