Ribeiro et al. (2026)
- Authors: Vânia Ribeiro, Paulo Azevedo, Francisco Westermeier, Nuno Sepúlveda
- Institutes: Faculty of Mathematics and Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland, CEAUL - Centro de Estatística e Aplicações da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Institute of Biomedical Science, Department of Health Studies, FH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences, Graz, Austria
- Publisher: Medicina (Kaunas)
- Link: DOI
Summary
This pilot study demonstrates that a structured, online pacing program is a viable and welcome management tool for ME/CFS patients, especially in regions where specialized care is limited. By showing preliminary improvements in fatigue and physical functioning, it paves the way for integrating energy management education into standard care protocols. The findings provide a crucial foundation for future large-scale research into non-pharmacological interventions in Southern Europe.
What was researched?
The study examined the feasibility, adherence, and acceptability of a short-term pacing intervention for ME/CFS patients in Portugal. It specifically investigated whether patients could successfully follow an 8-week online program focused on energy management.
Why was it researched?
ME/CFS lacks a curative treatment, making symptom management strategies like pacing essential for improving patient quality of life. There was previously no evidence regarding the feasibility of such interventions in Portugal, where the disease is not yet well recognized by the healthcare system.
How was it researched?
Thirteen patients with an official ME/CFS diagnosis participated in an 8-week program consisting of weekly online sessions. Researchers assessed protocol adherence and patient satisfaction while using the Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire and SF-36 scores to track exploratory clinical trends.
What has been found?
The program was found to be feasible and highly acceptable, with participants attending an average of seven out of eight sessions. Exploratory results showed a reduction in mean fatigue scores from 27.5 to 17.7 and an increase in physical functioning scores from 24.6 to 31.7.
Discussion
The study is limited by its small sample size and the absence of a control group to account for potential placebo effects. However, the high adherence rate suggests that online delivery is a successful format for this patient population.
Conclusion & Future Work
Pacing interventions are feasible and well-received by ME/CFS patients in Portugal. These results support the implementation of larger, randomized controlled trials to definitively measure the clinical impact of energy management programs.