Limited evidence was found for the psychometric properties and clinical usability of these instruments .
However , the CFS-activities and participation question naire ( APQ ) is a disease-specific instrument with moderate content and construct validity .
PURPOSE To summarize measurement instruments used to evaluate activity limitations and participation restrictions in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome ( CFS ) and review the psychometric properties of these instruments .
Chronic fatigue syndrome causes activity limitations and participation restrictions in one or more areas of life .
Effectiveness of stepped care for chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized noninferiority trial.
OBJECTIVE In this r and omized noninferiority study , the effectiveness and efficiency of stepped care for chronic fatigue syndrome ( CFS ) was compared to care as usual . Stepped care was formed by guided self-instruction , followed by cognitive behavior therapy ( CBT ) if the patient desired it . Care as usual encompassed CBT after a waiting period . METHOD A total of 171 CFS patients were r and omly allocated to stepped care or care as usual . Patients in both conditions were assessed 3 times : at baseline , after guided self-instruction or the waiting period , and after CBT . The primary outcome variables were fatigue severity ( Checklist Individual Strength ) and disabilities ( Sickness Impact Profile and Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36 ) . RESULTS An intention to treat analysis showed that stepped care ( N = 84 ) for CFS is noninferior to care as usual ( N = 85 ) . Both conditions were equivalent in reducing fatigue severity , reducing disabilities , and increasing physical functioning . The treatment results of both conditions were in accordance with those of previous r and omized controlled trials testing the effectiveness of CBT  for CFS . The total therapist time needed to treat a patient was significantly less in the stepped care condition . CONCLUSIONS Stepped care is as effective as CBT and is more time efficient for the therapist
Limited evidence was found for the psychometric properties and clinical usability of these instruments .
However , the CFS-activities and participation question naire ( APQ ) is a disease-specific instrument with moderate content and construct validity .
PURPOSE To summarize measurement instruments used to evaluate activity limitations and participation restrictions in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome ( CFS ) and review the psychometric properties of these instruments .
Chronic fatigue syndrome causes activity limitations and participation restrictions in one or more areas of life .