An Internet-Based Self-Management Intervention to Reduce Fatigue Among People With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Occupational Therapy

Background:

• Fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating chronic symptom following traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Limited evidence exists for effective interventions targeting post-TBI fatigue.
• Self-management strategies are crucial for managing chronic health conditions like TBI-related fatigue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the preliminary efficacy of the Maximizing Energy (MAX) self-management intervention.
• To compare the MAX intervention against a health education (HE) control group.
• To evaluate reductions in fatigue impact, severity, and improvements in daily participation post-TBI.

Main Methods:

• Pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 41 participants with TBI.
• Interventions delivered online over 8 weeks by occupational therapists.
• MAX group received problem-solving therapy and energy conservation education; HE group received general health education.

Main Results:

• At 8 weeks post-intervention, the MAX group showed significantly lower fatigue impact (mFIS) compared to the HE group (p = .01, Cohen's d = 0.87).
• The MAX intervention demonstrated a large effect size in reducing the impact of fatigue.
• Preliminary data suggest improved fatigue experience and daily participation in the MAX group.

Conclusions:

• The MAX intervention shows preliminary efficacy in decreasing the impact of fatigue on daily life for individuals with post-TBI fatigue.
• An internet-based, self-management program combining occupational therapy with cognitive-behavioral elements appears effective.
• Further large-scale RCTs are warranted to confirm these findings and inform clinical practice for TBI fatigue management.