Gently motivating those with chronic fatigue ease symptoms
For those who have chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), the thought of exercise can be daunting. But researchers have found that by gently reminding them to exercise boosts their confidence to do so, thus easing their symptoms.
The study was done through an analysis of how cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET) help reduce fatigue and improve physical function in people with CFS.
“You’re not going to ask somebody who hasn’t been going out or engaging in any exercise for several years to suddenly get on their bike — you would want to do these things very gradually and carefully,” Trudie Chalder of King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry told a briefing.
“(But) our results suggest that fearful beliefs can be changed by directly challenging such beliefs, or by simple behavior change with a graded approach.”
CFS, sometimes called myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME, is a debilitating condition characterized by disabling physical and mental fatigue, poor concentration and memory, disturbed sleep and muscle and joint pain.
There is no cure and scientists don’t know what causes it, but it affects around 17 million people worldwide.