title: A randomized controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 for fatigue in the late-onset sequelae of poliomyelitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine if coenzyme Q(10) alleviates fatigue in the late-onset sequelae of poliomyelitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Parallel-group, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
  Coenzyme Q(10) has been shown to boost muscle energy metabolism in post-polio subjects but it does not promote muscle strength, endurance or function in polio survivors with post-poliomyelitis syndrome. However, the collective increased energy metabolism might contribute to a reduction in post-polio fatigue.
  
  
  METHODS
  Polio survivors from the Australian post-polio networks in Queensland and New South Wales who attribute a moderate to high level of fatigue to their diagnosed late-onset sequelae of poliomyelitis. Those with fatigue-associated comorbidities of diabetes, anaemia, hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia were excluded.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were assigned (1:1), with stratification of those who use energy-saving mobility aids, to receive 100 mg coenzyme Q(10) or matching placebo daily for 60 days. Participants and investigators were blinded to group allocation. Fatigue was assessed by the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue as the primary outcome and the Fatigue Severity Scale as secondary outcome.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 103 participants, 54 were assigned to receive coenzyme Q(10) and 49 to receive the placebo. The difference in the mean score reductions between the two groups was not statistically significant for either fatigue measure. Oral supplementation with coenzyme Q(10) was safe and well-tolerated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A daily dose of 100 mg coenzyme Q(10) for 60 days does not alleviate the fatigue of the late-onset sequelae of poliomyelitis. The registration number for the clinical trial is ACTRN 12612000552886.
authors.affiliation: NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Nursing Interventions, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Centre for Health Practice Innovation, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Margaret M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Peel
authors.affiliation: NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Nursing Interventions, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Centre for Health Practice Innovation, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: m.cooke@griffith.edu.au.
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cooke
authors.affiliation: NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Nursing Interventions, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Centre for Health Practice Innovation, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Helen J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Lewis-Peel
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Rodney A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Lea
authors.affiliation: NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Nursing Interventions, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Centre for Health Practice Innovation, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Moyle
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D005221:Fatigue / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011051:Poliomyelitis / Q000150:complications*; D014451:Ubiquinone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D014451:Ubiquinone; C024989:coenzyme Q10
keywords: Coenzyme Q(10); Fatigue; Post-poliomyelitis syndrome; Randomized controlled trial