Differences in physical functioning between relatively active and passive patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) protocols for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) suggest categorizing patients into active and passive subgroups.
• Limited evidence exists to support distinct physical functioning differences between these CFS patient subgroups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate differences in actual and perceived physical functioning between active and passive CFS patient subgroups.
• Utilized baseline data from the multicentre randomized controlled trial (FatiGo).

Main Methods:

• Sixty CFS patients receiving CBT were categorized by therapists based on expert opinion and CBT protocol definitions.
• Actual physical functioning was measured using activity monitors (uptime, activity fluctuations, rest duration).
• Perceived physical functioning was assessed using validated questionnaires (Checklist Individual Strength, SF-36, Sickness Impact Profile).

Main Results:

• Relatively active patients demonstrated significantly higher daily uptime and less activity fluctuation.
• Passive patients reported significantly lower physical functioning and greater functional mobility impairment.
• No significant differences were observed in other measured indices of actual or perceived physical functioning.

Conclusions:

• A distinct difference in actual and perceived physical functioning between therapist-identified active and passive CFS patients was not established.
• Consensus on patient subgroup categorization within CFS requires further investigation.