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

Patient Educ Couns. 2009 Apr 6. [Epub ahead of print]
The impact of energy modulation on physical functioning and fatigue severity among patients with ME/CFS.

Jason L, Benton M, Torres-Harding S, Muldowney K.
DePaul University, United States.

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.

PMID: 19356884 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]