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 .
Functional status of persons with chronic fatigue syndrome in the Wichita, Kansas, population
Background Scant research has adequately addressed the impact of chronic fatigue syndrome on patients ' daily activities and quality of life . Enumerating specific problems related to quality of life in chronic fatigue syndrome patients can help us to better underst and and manage this illness . This study addresses issues of functional status in persons with chronic fatigue syndrome and other fatiguing illnesses in a population based sample , which can be generalized to all persons with chronic fatigue . Methods We conducted a r  and om telephone survey in Wichita , Kansas to identify persons with chronic fatigue syndrome and other fatiguing illnesses . Respondents reporting severe fatigue of at least 1 month 's duration and r and omly selected non-fatigued respondents were asked to participate in a detailed telephone interview . Participants were asked about symptoms , medical and psychiatric illnesses , and about physical , social , and recreational functioning . Those meeting the 1994 chronic fatigue syndrome case definition , as determined on the basis of their telephone responses , were invited for clinical evaluation to confirm a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome . For this analysis , we evaluated  unemployment due to fatigue , number of hours per week spent on work , chores , and other activities ( currently and prior to the onset of fatigue ) , and energy level .  Results There was no difference between persons with chronic fatigue syndrome and persons with a chronic fatigue syndrome-like illness that could be explained by a medical or psychiatric condition for any of the outcomes we measured except for unemployment due to fatigue ( 15 % vs. 40 % , P < .01 ) . Persons with chronic fatigue syndrome and other fatiguing illnesses had substantially less energy and spent less time on hobbies , schooling , or volunteer work than did non-fatigued controls ( P < .01 ) . Conclusions Persons with chronic fatigue syndrome are as impaired as persons whose fatigue could be explained by a medical or psychiatric condition , and they have less energy than non-fatigued controls
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 .