Int J Behav Med. 2014 Sep 4. [Epub ahead of print]
Effects of a Self-regulation Based Physical Activity Program (The "4-STEPS") for Unexplained Chronic Fatigue: a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Marques M1, De Gucht V, Leal I, Maes S.
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
This study aimed at assessing the effects of a self-regulation-based brief physical activity program for patients suffering from unexplained chronic fatigue, the "4-STEPS to control your fatigue program".
METHOD:
A 12-week randomized controlled trial was conducted.
Adult patients meeting the CDC criteria for idiopathic chronic fatigue were randomized to either the control condition (standard care) or the intervention condition (4-STEPS).
The 4-STEPS was based on self-regulation principles and consisted of motivational interviewing and self-regulation skills training.
All patients were assessed at baseline and post-treatment (12 weeks) for fatigue severity (primary outcome) and impact, physical activity (leisure time physical activity, number of daily steps and personal activity goal progress), health-related quality of life, somatic distress and psychological distress (depression and anxiety).
RESULTS:
Ninety-one patients (45 intervention and 46 control patients) received the allocated intervention. At post-treatment, statistical analysis revealed a significant difference for subjective experience of fatigue (4.73 points; g = 0.51) in favour of the intervention group.
Mixed design ANCOVAs showed a significant effect of the 4-STEPS on fatigue severity, leisure time physical activity, personal activity goal progress and health-related quality of life.
No significant effects were found for number of daily steps and somatic and psychological distress.
CONCLUSION:
The 4-STEPS program has significant beneficial effects at post-treatment.
This brief self-regulation-based intervention looks promising for the management of unexplained chronic fatigue.
Trial Registration: ISRCTN70763996.
PMID: 25187111 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Effects of a Self-regulation Based Physical Activity Program (The "4-STEPS") for Unexplained Chronic Fatigue: a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Marques M1, De Gucht V, Leal I, Maes S.
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
This study aimed at assessing the effects of a self-regulation-based brief physical activity program for patients suffering from unexplained chronic fatigue, the "4-STEPS to control your fatigue program".
METHOD:
A 12-week randomized controlled trial was conducted.
Adult patients meeting the CDC criteria for idiopathic chronic fatigue were randomized to either the control condition (standard care) or the intervention condition (4-STEPS).
The 4-STEPS was based on self-regulation principles and consisted of motivational interviewing and self-regulation skills training.
All patients were assessed at baseline and post-treatment (12 weeks) for fatigue severity (primary outcome) and impact, physical activity (leisure time physical activity, number of daily steps and personal activity goal progress), health-related quality of life, somatic distress and psychological distress (depression and anxiety).
RESULTS:
Ninety-one patients (45 intervention and 46 control patients) received the allocated intervention. At post-treatment, statistical analysis revealed a significant difference for subjective experience of fatigue (4.73 points; g = 0.51) in favour of the intervention group.
Mixed design ANCOVAs showed a significant effect of the 4-STEPS on fatigue severity, leisure time physical activity, personal activity goal progress and health-related quality of life.
No significant effects were found for number of daily steps and somatic and psychological distress.
CONCLUSION:
The 4-STEPS program has significant beneficial effects at post-treatment.
This brief self-regulation-based intervention looks promising for the management of unexplained chronic fatigue.
Trial Registration: ISRCTN70763996.
PMID: 25187111 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]