Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

Measuring the Motor Aspect of Cancer-Related Fatigue using a Handheld Dynamometer
07:22

Measuring the Motor Aspect of Cancer-Related Fatigue using a Handheld Dynamometer

Published on: February 20, 2020

Fatigue and its relationships with cognitive functioning and depression in paediatric multiple sclerosis

B Goretti1, E Portaccio, A Ghezzi

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.

Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|August 17, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Fatigue affects many pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and is linked to depression. Assessment challenges in children and adolescents with MS highlight the need for further research.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neuropsychology

Background:

  • Limited data exists on fatigue and its psychosocial impacts in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • Understanding fatigue correlates is crucial for managing this condition in young patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between fatigue, cognitive function, and depression in pediatric MS patients.
  • To identify clinical and psychosocial factors associated with fatigue in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of pediatric MS patients and healthy controls underwent fatigue assessment using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory-Multidimensional Fatigue Scale.
  • Cognitive functioning was evaluated using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery.
  • Depression was assessed via the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) and a psychiatric interview (Kiddie-SADS-PL).

Main Results:

  • Fatigue was reported by 9-14% of patients (self-report) and 23-39% (parent-report).
  • Significant association found between fatigue and higher depression scores (CDI, p < 0.03).
  • Self-reported cognitive fatigue correlated with poorer problem-solving skills; parent-reported cognitive fatigue linked to deficits in verbal learning, processing speed, attention, and comprehension.

Conclusions:

  • Fatigue impacts a substantial number of pediatric MS patients.
  • The study confirms a link between fatigue and depressive symptoms in pediatric MS.
  • Challenges in pediatric fatigue assessment are noted, suggesting areas for future research.
Abstract

More Related Videos

The Treadmill Fatigue Test: A Simple, High-throughput Assay of Fatigue-like Behavior for the Mouse09:25

The Treadmill Fatigue Test: A Simple, High-throughput Assay of Fatigue-like Behavior for the Mouse

Published on: May 31, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction01:19

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
Fatigue01:21

Fatigue

Fatigue occurs when materials rupture under repeated or fluctuating loads, even at stress levels far below their static breaking strength. It typically results in brittle failure, even for ductile materials. It is a critical consideration in designing machines and structural components subjected to repetitive or varying loads. The nature of these loadings can range from fluctuating loads like unbalanced pump impellers causing vibrations to repeatedly bending a thin steel rod wire back and forth...
Depression: Overview01:18

Depression: Overview

Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
Muscle Recovery and Fatigue01:24

Muscle Recovery and Fatigue

Muscle fatigue refers to the decline in a muscle's ability to maintain the force of contraction after prolonged activity. It primarily stems from changes within muscle fibers. Even before experiencing muscle fatigue, one may feel tired and have the urge to stop the activity. This response, known as central fatigue, occurs due to changes in the central nervous system, namely the brain and spinal cord. While there is no single mechanism that induces fatigue, it may serve as a protective response...