Can pacing self-management alter physical behavior and symptom severity in chronic fatigue syndrome? A case series.
Given the lack of evidence in support of pacing self-management for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), we examined whether physical behavior and health status of patients with CFS would improve in response to a pacing self-management program. We performed an observational study of pacing self-management in seven CFS patients using a single-case study design. Stages A1 and A2 (7-day assessment periods) of the A1-B-A2 design corresponded to the baseline and posttreatment measurements of physical behavior (real-time activity monitoring) and health status (self-reported measures), respectively. Stage B (3 weeks of treatment) consisted of three individual treatment sessions of pacing self-management. When comparing pre- versus posttreatment data, we found that the patients' ability to perform daily activities and the severity of their symptom complexes were improved (p = 0.043). Concentration difficulties, mood swings, muscle weakness, and intolerance to bright light improved as well. A statistically significant decrease in the mean time spent doing light activity (<3 metabolic equivalents) was observed, but a change in the way physical activity was spread throughout the day was not. We found that 3 weeks of pacing self-management was accompanied by a modest improvement in symptom severity and daily functioning. The outcome of the present study calls for a randomized controlled clinical trial to examine the effectiveness of pacing self-management for people with CFS.
Nijs
Jo
J
Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Building L-Mfys, Pleinlaan 2, BE-1050, Brussels, Belgium. Jo.Nijs@vub.ac.be
van Eupen
Inge
I
Vandecauter
Jo
J
Augustinus
Els
E
Bleyen
Geerte
G
Moorkens
Greta
G
Meeus
Mira
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory; D009068:Movement; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012648:Self Care; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult