Rehabilitation programs that promote physiotherapy techniques such as exercise , mobilization , and body awareness ( e.g. , MRT and GET ) are the most effective in reducing medium and long-term fatigue severity in CFS patients
OBJECTIVE The objectives of this work were to fill the gap in the scientific literature and to evaluate the results of physical therapy treatments  in individuals affected by chronic fatigue syndrome , considering only studies that employed a r and omized controlled trial .
Protocol for the "four steps to control your fatigue (4-STEPS)" randomised controlled trial: a self-regulation based physical activity intervention for patients with unexplained chronic fatigue
Background Unexplained Chronic Fatigue is a medical condition characterized by the presence of persistent , severe and debilitating medically unexplained fatigue , leading to impaired functioning and lower quality of life . Research suggests that physical activity can contribute to the reduction of fatigue and other somatic symptoms and can thus significantly improve physical functioning and quality of life in these patients . Based on the self-regulation ( SR ) theory of behaviour change , we developed a brief physical activity program for patients suffering from unexplained chronic fatigue which focuses on the training of self-regulation skills , the " 4-STEPS to control your fatigue " program . Methods / Design This is a multi-centre , r and omised controlled trial ( RCT ) that will be carried out in local primary care centres and at the Portuguese Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients Association . Patients aged between 18 and 65 and fulfilling operationalized criteria for Idiopathic Chronic Fatigue ( ICF ) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ( CFS ) will be recruited and r and omly allocated to st and ard care ( SC ) or st and ard care plus a self-regulation based physical activity program ( 4-STEPS ) . Patients will be assessed at baseline , after the intervention ( 3 months ) and at 12 months follow-up . The primary outcome is fatigue severity . Discussion The results of the RCT will provide information about the effectiveness of a brief self-regulation intervention for promoting physical activity in patients with unexplained chronic fatigue . If the program proves to be effective , it may be considered as an adjunctive treatment for these patients .Trial Registration IS RCT N : IS RCT
Rehabilitation programs that promote physiotherapy techniques such as exercise , mobilization , and body awareness ( e.g. , MRT and GET ) are the most effective in reducing medium and long-term fatigue severity in CFS patients
OBJECTIVE The objectives of this work were to fill the gap in the scientific literature and to evaluate the results of physical therapy treatments  in individuals affected by chronic fatigue syndrome , considering only studies that employed a r and omized controlled trial .