Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: The energy envelope postulates that patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) will improve functioning when maintaining expended energy levels at the same level as available energy level.
METHODS: Estimated weekly Energy Quotients were established by dividing expended energy level by perceived energy level and multiplying by 100. Two groups of patients were identified following participation in a non-pharmacologic intervention trial. Some were able to keep expended energy close to available energy and others were not successful at this task.
RESULTS: Those who were able to stay within their energy envelope had significant improvements in physical functioning and fatigue severity.
CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that helping patients with ME/CFS maintain appropriate energy expenditures in coordination with available energy reserves can help improve functioning over time.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Health care professionals that treat patients with ME/CFS might incorporate strategies that help patients self-monitor and self-regulate energy expenditures.
Comment in: Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome: how to find a ‘new equilibrium’? [Patient Educ Couns. 2009]
Source: Jason L, Benton M, Torres-Harding S, Muldowney K. The impact of energy modulation on physical functioning and fatigue severity among patients with ME/CFS. Patient Educ Couns. 2009 Nov;77(2):237-41. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2009.02.015. Epub 2009 Apr 8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2767446/(Full article)