Use and perceived effectiveness of energy conservation strategies for managing multiple sclerosis fatigue.
OBJECTIVE
This study describes the use and perceived effectiveness of energy conservation strategies by persons with multiple sclerosis after participation in an energy conservation course.


METHODS
One hundred twenty-three participants completed a survey about their use of energy conservation strategies.


RESULTS
All strategies were newly used by at least 50% of the participants and rated as effective. Strategies that involved rest and delegation were used most and rated most effective, followed by modifying priorities and standards. The most common reason for not implementing strategies was that participants were already using them.


CONCLUSIONS
Persons with multiple sclerosis who participated in an energy conservation course implemented a number of new energy conservation strategies and reported them as effective.
Matuska
Kathleen
K
Department of Occupational Therapy, College of St. Catherine, 2004 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105, USA. kmatuska@stkate.edu
Mathiowetz
Virgil
V
Finlayson
Marcia
M
D000328:Adult; D003625:Data Collection; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005221:Fatigue / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007087:Illinois; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008910:Minnesota; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*