An article published in Multiple Sclerosis journal reports objective fatigue management and energy conservation are effective strategies to minimize fatigue in MS. Sustained results have not yet been reported. A fatigue management course was provided for 32 patients with MS. They were tested prior to and directly after participation in the course and in a 7–9 month follow-up with the Fatigue Severity Scale, the MS-specifi c Fatigue Scale, the Modifi ed Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and a self-rating scale for depression. The Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS) and the MS functional composite (MSFC) were evaluated before and after participation in the course. The total score and the Cognitive and Physical subscores of the MFIS showed signifi cant improvements on both points of time. Scores in the Fatigue Severity Scale, MS-specifi c Fatigue Scale, and Psychosocial Fatigue Impact Scale did not improve signifi cantly. MS functional composite and EDSS remained unchanged after six weeks of course participation. Subjective sleep quality improved directly after participation in the course and after 7–9 months. The depression score decreased significantly to a normal level at the end of training and in the 7–9 month follow-up. In conclusion, fatigue management enables patients with MS to cope with their fatigue and energy more effectively. Follow-up evaluations showed stable results after 7–9 months. (Available from: http://www.pubmed.gov
PMID: 18208883)