Evaluation of a lifestyle management programme in the functional abilities and fatigue for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) patients
http://www.bsrm.co.uk/news/NEWSLETTER-May2008-Final.pdfT Gaber, J Priest, Bolton PCT,
Email: tarek.gaber@wwl.nhs.uk
Background: Bolton and Bury CFS/ME specialist service was established in 2004 as part of a
Aim: To evaluate the impact a lifestyle management programme has had on the functional abilities and severity of fatigue.
Method: The lifestyle management programme is delivered as a group or individual basis. The group programme is delivered over six fortnightly sessions of two hours. The programme integrated the principles of promoting graded activities (exercise) and cognitive behavioural therapy in an informal setting. Functional outcomes were measured before and after the programme using SF36 and severity of fatigue using Chalder's fatigue scale. Patients' subjective views following the programme were also documented.
Results: Full data was available for 70 out of 112 participants in the programme. 49 were females. The mean (SD) of SF36 and Chalder's scale before the programme was 15.7 (4.8) and 8.8 (3.1) respectively and after the programme was 15.7 (5.4) and 6.1 (4.4). Using the T test, there was no significant difference between the mean values pre and post intervention. In general, the participants praised the programme and felt that it helped them to cope with their symptoms.
Conclusion: Most patients felt that the lifestyle management programmes improved their ability to cope with their disability. However, the programme failed to achieve either functional improvement or reduction in fatigue in CFS/ME patients. Further evaluation of the role of such management programmes for CFS/ME patients is needed.
