title: A randomized controlled graded exercise trial for chronic fatigue syndrome: outcomes and mechanisms of change.
abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the efficacy of graded exercise therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Forty-nine CFS patients were randomized to a 12-week graded exercise programme or to standard medical care. At the end of treatment the exercise group rated themselves as significantly more improved and less fatigued than the control group. A decrease in symptom focusing rather than an increase in fitness mediated the treatment effect. Graded exercise appears to be an effective treatment for CFS and it operates in part by reducing the degree to which patients focus on their symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Health Psychology, The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92 019, Auckland, New Zealand. r.moss-morris@auckland.ac.nz
authors.forename: Rona
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Moss-Morris
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sharon
authors.forename: Roseanne
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tobin
authors.forename: James C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Baldi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D015444:Exercise; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012803:Sick Role