title: Differences in physical functioning between relatively active and passive patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  According to the Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) protocol for patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), therapists are advised to categorize patients in relatively active and passive patients. However, evidence to support the differences in physical functioning between these subgroups is limited. Using the baseline data from a multicentre randomized controlled trial (FatiGo), the differences in actual and perceived physical functioning between active and passive patients with CFS were evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty patients, who received CBT during the FatiGo trial were included. Based on the expert opinion and using the definitions of subgroups defined in the CBT protocols, the therapist categorized the patient. Data from an activity monitor was used to calculate actual physical functioning, physical activity, daily uptime, activity fluctuations and duration of rest during daily life. Perceived physical functioning was assessed by measuring physical activity, physical functioning and functional impairment with the Checklist Individual Strength, Short Form-36 and Sickness-Impact Profile 8.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Relatively active patients have a significantly higher daily uptime and show significantly less fluctuations in activities between days. Passive patients experience a significantly lower level of physical functioning and feel more functionally impaired in their mobility. However, no significant differences were found in the other actual or perceived physical functioning indices.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A clear difference in actual and perceived physical functioning between relatively active and passive patients with CFS as judged by their therapists could not be found. Future research is needed to form a consensus on how to categorize subgroups of patients with CFS.
authors: Revant Rehabilitation Centre Breda, Brabantlaan 1, 4817 JW Breda, The Netherlands. d.vos@revant.nl
authors: Desirée C W M
authors: DC
authors: Vos-Vromans
authors: Ivan P J
authors: IP
authors: Huijnen
authors: Albère J A
authors: AJ
authors: Köke
authors: Henk A M
authors: HA
authors: Seelen
authors: J André
authors: JA
authors: Knottnerus
authors: Rob J E M
authors: RJ
authors: Smeets
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Activity monitor; CBT; CFS; Functional impairment; Physical activity; Physical functioning