title: Energy conservation for fatigue management in multiple sclerosis: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop and test the feasibility of an energy conservation programme to manage fatigue in multiple sclerosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A pilot randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Community setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  People with multiple sclerosis reporting fatigue.
  
  
  METHODS
  An energy conservation programme was compared to a peer support group. Both interventions were delivered in group format with 2-hour sessions once a week for five weeks. Patients' views about the interventions were sought in discussion groups one week post intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  The primary feasibility outcomes were recruitment and adherence. Other outcome measures were the Fatigue Impact Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, MS-Impact Scale-29, MS Self-efficacy Scale, Beck's Depression Scale-Fast Screen and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Outcomes were administered at baseline, post intervention, 6-week and 3-month follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Almost 30% of the people approached to take part in the study did not commit to participation because of transport/time issues. Twenty-three patients took part in the study. Three patients dropped out, one reporting adverse effects. A power calculation indicated that a sample of 56 (28 per group) would be required for a main randomized controlled trial. Patients valued peer support and those in the energy conservation group described the programme as useful, but reported difficulties completing some practice activities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An energy conservation programme in the community is feasible and welcomed by people with multiple sclerosis. However, future research needs to consider longer follow-ups and practical issues to improve recruitment rate by accommodating to patients' needs.
authors: Northern Ireland Cerebral Palsy Register, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK. e.garciajalon@qub.ac.uk
authors: E Guiomar
authors: EG
authors: García Jalón
authors: Sheila
authors: S
authors: Lennon
authors: Louise
authors: L
authors: Peoples
authors: Sam
authors: S
authors: Murphy
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Lowe-Strong
mesh_terms: D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications*; D010865:Pilot Projects